Excerpt from McGill Fortnightly, Vol. 3: December 21, 1894

Passing over the bridge, we remember poor David copperfield, footsore and tired, trudging his weary way into Rochester on the road to Dover, where his aunt, Betsy Trotwood, lived. Looking up the Medway, let Dickens himself describe the scene On the left of the spectator lay the ruined wall, broken in many places, and in some overhanging the narrow beach in rude and heavy masses. Huge knots of sea-weed hung upon jagged and pointed stones, trembling in every breath of wind and the green ivy clung mournfully around the dark and ruined battlements. Behind it rose the ancient castle, its towers roofless, and its massive walls crumbling away, but telling as proudly of its own might and strength as when, seven hundred years ago, it rang with the clash ofarms, or resounded with the noise of feasting and revelry. On either side the banks of the Medway, covered with corn-fields and pastures, with here and there a windmill, or a dis tant church, stretched away as far as the eye could see, presenting a rich and varied landscape, rendered more beautifulby the changing shadows which passed swiftly across it, as thin and half-formed clouds skimmed away in the light of the morning sun. The river, reflecting the clear blue of the sky, glistened and sparkled as it flowed noiselessly on; and the oars of the fisherman dipped into the water with clear and liquid sound as the heavy but picturesque boats glided slowly down the stream.

At the Bull Inn in the High Street, Dickens often stayed, and in an upper chamber took place the ball at which Alfred jingle, Winkle, and the fiery Dr. Slammer assisted in the early wanderings of the Pickwick Club. Near by, in a locality called the Vines, is an old house called Restoration House, which was the model for Satis House in Great Expecta tions. It is also very probable that the city' of Rochester is portrayed under the title Cloisterham in Edwin Drood. A short distance away on the Maidstone road is a fine block of almshouses which were built under the endowment of Richard Watts, who left a sum of money to provide for six poor travellers, who, not being rogues or proctors, may receive gratis for one night lodging and entertainment and fourpence each. Rochester Cathedral is very interesting, but time forcbade us lingering. On the north side of the choir rises Gungulph's Tower, where it is said that a treasure is hidden. The story goes that this is guarded by a hand of flame, and whoever can climb the tower on St. Mark's eve and blow out the light will be able to discover the wealth.

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