Between Chatham and Rochester: The Old Intra High Street

Chatham Intra is the name given to an area adjoining the River Medway that links the historic settlements of Chatham and Rochester in Kent. The area was largely undeveloped until the early 17th century before becoming built up with a mixture of commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Chatham Intra's development is closely tied to establishing a Royal Dockyard at Chatham from the 16th century onwards. The naval presence on the River Medway led to the expansion of Chatham from a village to a town. The River Medway soon became the favoured site for repairing and servicing English naval ships during the winter. The dockyard expanded in the 17th century and, by the 18th century, was Chatham's primary employer.
Chatham House is a building dating from the 18th century. It was constructed as a substantial and prestigious residence for the owner of the adjoining brewery on Hulkes Lane, which it fronted. It remained in use as a house until the early 20th century. In the inter-war years, it was converted into the furniture department of Featherstone’s multi-sited department store and given a front-shop extension in 1936 that was demolished in 2003.
By the 18th century, Chatham had an established Jewish community. Their presence in the area was mentioned in the writings of Charles Dickens and James Grant, although often in antisemitic terms. There was a synagogue on this site from the 1770s. The present building, Chatham Memorial Synagogue, began construction in 1865 and was opened around 1870. It was built by local merchant Simon Magnus to memorialise his only son, Captain Lazarus Simon Magnus, who died in 1865 at 39. The architect Hyman Henry Collins designed the building in the Byzantine style.
Read the Story of Intra High Street in 6 Places ➡️ bit.ly/3AiOU19
Our High Street Heritage Action Zone hopes to help the area become a cultural and creative hub with a rich mix of artists, creatives and makers occupying under-used historic buildings that need refurbishment and conversion.
Find out more ➡️ bit.ly/3EE1la9
#HistoricHighStreets

[@ajhl9898]

I spent quite a lot of time in this part of town in the 70's as a child. My father worked for Chris Featherstone & Keith Holland as a mechanic, I remember Fetherstones department store well. Good to see this part of Medway being revitalised.

[@HistoricEngland]

Thanks for sharing your story!

[@keith800]

It has its own unique atmosphere along there and nice to see it up and coming again with its own culture making it a pleasant part of the town again.

[@HistoricEngland]

Thanks, Keith!

[@donkeytonk]

I grew up in Chatham and used to do some boxing in the ABC gym in the area. My father used to drink in the Ship Inn back in the day as well. I now live halfway across the world but I often have dreams about this very area and in those dreams it is thriving and bustling.

[@HistoricEngland]

Thanks for sharing!

[@user-dh8zj2kl7z]

You must of boxed out of st Mary’s Luton village I was there from 87/88 then moved onto golden gloves which was in Rochester high street above spemco near featherstones

[@peterboyle2711]

Good to see this blog, I lived in the area between 1954- 1960 as my father worked for the MOD, (Lodge Hill armourments depot) at Chattenden. . I have only been back once in the last 64years so this video was very interesting to me. I must try and get a visit in, although I no longer know anyone in the area.

[@HistoricEngland]

Thank you for sharing, Peter. Hope you get to visit the area again soon.

[@spalmer4609]

What a lovely story!

[@HistoricEngland]

We think so too!

[@JatorBee]

This was a lovely video about a part of a place I grew up in that I knew so little about.

[@HistoricEngland]

Thank you! Glad you liked it.

[@thanib7796]

How privileged you were to have grown up in such a special place! What was it like?

[@deneoneill2421]

Bob! Lovely stuff🙂

[@evapiku7757]

We just bought the 2 of Victoria building.We have done lots of work on the building.Even decorated it outside.Looks amazing.The restaurant will be open soon.We love Rochester.

[@HistoricEngland]

Very nice!

[@wendyburrows4178]

My great grandfather used to own the Old Barn pub during the 2nd world War (which was 2 pubs).
I also live on the other side of the world for the past 50 years.
Last time I saw it, it was no longer a pub, this was back in 1997. Does anyone remember The Old Barn?

[@minibus9]

this is great

[@marde1649]

Walk through the street everyday to work, Great stuff

[@HistoricEngland]

Thanks!

[@evanderer]

maybe we l meet!! will be there in june from Belgium

[@janettetaylor8760]

Mary rose was built there in Chatham

[@kelrogers8480]

Can anyone give me information on the old Morden Arms pub?

[@HistoricEngland]

Hi Kel, thanks for your question. We don't have anything on the old Morden Arms pub, but you may find some information here: www.dover-kent.com/2014-project-a/Morden-Arms-Rochester.html

[@user-dh8zj2kl7z]

Morden arms pub John st Rochester unfortunately is no longer there it’s now a block of flats I live two streets away and remember the old pub

[@kelrogers8480]

@@user-dh8zj2kl7z my great grandma Carrie, ran it, and then my grandad, Reg Peters. My mum grew up there.

[@user-dh8zj2kl7z]

@@kelrogers8480 oh wow very nice shame the old place has gone so has the good intent opposite again into houses to many nice pubs lost only one left is man of Kent

[@shaniaevans3382]

🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️

[@geraldallen3276]

p̳r̳o̳m̳o̳s̳m̳ 👌