Journey Through Rochester Castle: Stronghold of the Normans

[@ricebrown1]

Best storyteller on KZbin. Our man Kevin is almost single handedly putting the entire History Channel to shame.

[@sunniclark6827]

Absolutely!!

[@Blooderfly17]

I second that! 💯💯

[@michaelkeller5008]

agreed!!

[@OBXDewey]

Yes he has.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow! 😃

[@andrewschmidt5312]

As someone who does some volunteering for museums and laments the lack of interest in the past (and the consequences of that) it amazes me how well you attract and inform people with your great story telling and other skills. Education at it’s best.

[@thehistorysquad]

Andrew, I appreciate that, thank you.

[@TheRooneymandan]

Thanks a million. Your channel is my favourite. May I ask you why the Normans emerged from resource poor Normandy as pioneers of heavy cavalry and excellence in warfare but also as great engineers and visionaries? Please excuse my boldness and ignorance. ​@thehistorysquad

[@thehistorysquad]

@@TheRooneymandan They relied upon a European wide pool of resources, for example at the Battle of Hastings, many of the troops that fought for the Normans were in fact foreign mercenaries. Many of the architects and builders would have come from other parts of France and even Northern Italy.

[@TheRooneymandan]

@thehistorysquad Thanks Kevin. I'm enlightened but still curious as to why they seem to have emerged as the complete conquering product almost overnight?

[@TheRooneymandan]

Surely there was something that was the catalyst?

[@davidcreager1945]

Thank You for a facinating tour of this fantastic Castle ! I was amazed , learning that the most powerful person ( the King ) not only had no privacy , but was open to assination attempts .

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@NateDaGreat808]

I’m American, but my mom is from Kent. And this is my favorite castle! :)

[@JohnSmith-st5ud]

The absolute best man for this job! You can tell he is full of passion

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed the tour 😃

[@arthurdoucette1786]

Greetings once again from Nova Scotia, wow, what a story. I love the awesome way you have, in telling stories. Our one and only, "Kevin, the bowman/bard " thank you for sharing your gifts and your time, we are VERY lucky you started your channel, I know I wouldn't have the courage to go out and do it. Thanks again, be safe, and as always best regards, Arthur

[@thehistorysquad]

How lovely, thank you so much Arthur, I appreciate your kind words.

[@philread386]

As a ten year old in 1960 I was taken to the castle and shown around. Knowing I was mad about aircraft he took me to the top of the keep. Across the river you could still see the slipways where Shorts launched their newly manufactured flying boats. What a day for a ten year old!

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

Rochester, the only English city I know of that lost its city status. It's a story that deserves a full video.

[@lonestarbug]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 I as a Texan, please explain to me what that means.

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@lonestarbug in the UK cities need a Royal Charter. Without it, you're living in a very large town, which may be large enough to swallow several cities. Rochester lost its city status due to the ineptitude of the local councillors.

[@lonestarbug]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 I see.

[@lonestarbug]

Thank you. I just now researched it. Area of Medway formed in 1998.

[@lonestarbug]

@@neiloflongbeck5705 And as my last name is Clark, my heritage is English.

[@nickwebb9290]

Thank you for bringing Rochester Castle’s history alive for us Kevin 🙏

[@Lordstephen7813]

That was awesome . Brought back memories . In about1966 My Nan and Grandad were live in caretakers of Charles Dickens's house just down the high street from the castle and as lads my brother and I would play up at the castle . 65 now so that was a few years ago. I remember the canon there used to be at the head of the stairs. Thank you so much for your hard work . I will share this with my lads.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, how lovely

[@julianhuntly9622]

I grew up in Rochester, and visited the castle many times over the years. I had never heard of the pigeon holes. There is always something new to be learnt. Thanks Kevin.

[@spiritchild9101]

Incredible that old castles like this are still standing. 🏰 Thank you for the tour and history.

[@johncordes7885]

Perfect gift for Friday morning. Thanks Kevin

[@Irish_Trout_Of_Knowledge]

Your channel is fantastic many thanks for all your hard work. You bring history to life it's terrific!

[@thehistorysquad]

I appreciate that, thank you

[@chrisbosley4685]

What a great tour of a beautiful castle and always with a wealth of architectural and historical knowledge from Mr. Hicks and company. Thanks for another great video.

[@thehistorysquad]

Our pleasure!

[@dcarbs2979]

It is very well proportioned.

[@StelViri]

Your castle videos are the best! :D Thank you :D

[@missshonka2]

Marvelous Kevin Enjoyed it immensely

[@mmcleod8148]

Fantastic. You didn’t need to build a model. It was a beautiful tour. Thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

😜

[@scrappydoo7887]

The thing is that he did. It's a beautiful show of skills and I'm sure it's an excellent hobby for Kev 👍

[@scrappydoo7887]

*I don't mean that he needed to. It's the commitment I was referring to

[@johnfranks9271]

Brilliant Kevin thank you Rochester has been part of my life through my college years and all the way back since I was a three year old child taken to the Friday market that was always held in Rochester the castle I have always found it fascinating and your explanation fills in some very interesting details.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wonderful. Glad you enjoyed it

[@bpfahl6176]

Mr. Hicks, you keep out-doing yourself! This was one of my favorites. It is an absolute delight to watch your enthusiastic, informative, and light-hearted history lessons. Many thanks!

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Spartacus45]

Back in the U.K. for a bit then Kev? 🇬🇧 What a stunning place to visit and your right, the castle looks nearly identical to The White Tower. 12 years in The Guards, so know The Tower inside and out. Great video Kev, thank you and have a safe journey home!! 🇨🇦 😉

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy 👍

[@Riding-Films]

More magnificent castles! Thankyou Kevin 🤙

[@craigmac8392]

i grew up in rochester & it seems strange seeing n hearing the history of a castle so close to my upbringing & early life :) every alley way & street round rochester was my stomping ground lol. brilliant doc.

[@CarolFelts-g9b]

I love listening and watching your channel Kevin, as my family originally came from Worthington,England and I have always wanted to go to the UK to see how many of my ancestors lived but with watching you I can hear and see how they lived. You give me all the interesting details but I’m glad I live now and not sure I’d have liked to live back then. Thanks Kevin, I’m glad I found you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Carol, I'm glad you found us too! All the best.

[@gonnafish]

Amazing castle and great history once again Kevin! I would never have guessed about the pigeons! Thank you!

[@chonconnor6144]

Loving these Friday video drops, bullseye everytime.

[@_thejava]

Awesome! Thank you for making my Friday! 😊

[@Baldmaxx]

Thanks! Greetings from Virginia Beach, Virginia USA. You're a national treasure, Kevin. Thank you for the awesome tour and storytelling.

[@thehistorysquad]

And thank you for the SUPER, it’s much appreciated, I’m glad you enjoyed the video 👍

[@heatherwade2373]

Thank you Kevin, you’re the best. You save my sanity with your amazing videos.

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks !!

[@BMO_Creative]

Just an amazing construction!

[@vickywitton1008]

Thank you Kevin!❤

[@ianasquith3902]

We used to do school trips to Rochester and Canterbury

[@midnightriot2454]

I remember in primary school when walking along the high street we had to find all the shop names inspired by Dickens :)

[@davidstrother496]

Thanks for taking us along on the tour, Kevin. It takes a lot to make bare stone walls interesting, but you did a masterful job. Cheers from Texas.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it Dave, it's great to get back to the castles when I can.

[@stevestannard6004]

Protect your border David. Those Dems are not patriots.

[@henrysara7716]

Great clip, Kevin. It's a pleasure to follow your steps around history.

[@rozzbozzgames]

Living in Kent since birth and visiting this Castle many times, I'd love to see EH reroof it at some point, keep the weather out and preserve it for future generations. Great video :)

[@jasoncornell1579]

It's no longer EH belongs to the city now

[@ahooper99]

Your castle tours are fabulous!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks

[@SoloNewEngland]

Nice! Was looking for another one if the videos. I rewatched all the castle tour series a few days ago. I just returned from the UK so I was already feeling nostalgic lol

[@jodieg6318]

Perfect timing, today is my birthday and I get a tour of the mighty Rotchester castle! 😊

[@thehistorysquad]

Happy Birthday Jodie!

[@Brianroadtofaith]

Best documentary of Rocheater castle I have seen. Amazing work and I love it there. Thank you for your amazing work

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s very kind of you, thanks.

[@Brianroadtofaith]

@thehistorysquad your welcome I wish I knew you was there would be amazing to say hi. Thank you for all your hard work.i love the video with William marshal. Would you ever do a video on the knights templar or Temple church. Infact just over Rochester bridge there is Temple manor you would like

[@thehistorysquad]

@@Brianroadtofaith yes quite possibly one day I'll get to it. 👍

[@dokpikun-bg3en]

Absolutely wonderful, as always!! Thank you for this :)

[@thehistorysquad]

A pleasure 👍

[@evilladollyz7602]

Imagine how many eras that place has seen come and go. If walks could talk ...wow... Thank you my friend Kevin... Awesome video! ❤❤❤

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@michaelkeller5008]

Thanks for the tour, Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

You bet!

[@carlosrendon824]

I truly admire Kevin's knowledge and his ability to explain the history of castles.

[@dokpikun-bg3en]

STUNNING

[@VivReuss-oz1dj]

You really bring a pile of stone to life. I’ve seen castles but not through your eyes. You’d make an incredible tour leader if you are ever so inclined. I’d go on that trip!

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks Viv

[@samuelzaagman6769]

I could watch these castle tours by Kevin for hours upon hours.

[@Dexterschnauzer]

absolutley facinating as always

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@acidrock9935]

Mr. Hicks is a veteran I see. His enthusiasm for History has made him a great story teller and historian.

[@dganim9196]

Hi Kevin, An absolutely terrific presentation. You can get lost in the engineering of these castles. The forethought of the pigeon nooks and strategic placement of the well for peace and war time is amazing. Thank you both for the excellent video and tour.

[@thatflightsimguy]

I recently got into history and I can't explain it but there is something lovely about imagining how things used to be but we can never be sure. It's like an itch you can't scratch. But it keeps me coming back.

[@doinke]

Absolutely amazing man you are sir, a great inspiration to me as always, history is the most important subject to understand really and without a doubt requires huge levels of focus and discipline to fully understand rather than just reading

[@7Cherubim]

When you look at the castle and the different details of it, you can imagine the people living there at the time. The sense of the past time is so very strong. Yet another wonderfully put together video, and so very informative.

[@kelizabeth3061]

ive been binging all of the castle tour videos the past few days 😭😭!! perfect timing thank you kevinnnnn 🫶🫶

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure 👍

[@scrappydoo7887]

Its always great to see our favourite historian, bowman, veteran, police officer and all round great entertaining man uploading for us all 👍👍

[@thehistorysquad]

😁

[@jacobbevers8171]

I can’t believe KZbin didn’t put this in my feed for 7 hours. I need to know asap KZbin. Big love from Tennessee Kevin🤙

[@thehistorysquad]

😂

[@tliltocatlalbopilosa1513]

Masterful presentation as always Kev. Every upload is a pleasure to watch. Thanks!

[@williammoore9794]

This is a great video. I went to Rochester Castle for the first time earlier this year, so I really appreciate getting more information about it. Thank you

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Smudge-1993]

Smokes on standby AND The History Squad? Great start to the weekend! Keep up the great work mate. ❤ from a subscriber.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Smudge 👍

[@keithwalmsley1830]

Another fantastic video, thanks Kevin, you are undoubtedly the best historian on KZbin IMO, keep up the great work!! ✌

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks again!

[@benvincent6747]

Most interesting guide with a magnet to learn from Mr. Kevin. Thank you😊

[@tomhirons7475]

Thanks

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey Tom, thanks once again for your very kind SUPER. I'm glad you enjoyed our tour 👍

[@jdstocco84]

I just got home from work and opened KZbin and saw Rochester Castle, and said "F**King a right, man!" I remember the name from the movie Iron Clad. Now I must start the show, it's gonna be a good one.

[@thehistorysquad]

That was a really good movie.

[@ashtraydekay6624]

seeing the inside of some of the staircases, and the hallways, always brings me joy, thanks for adding those in!

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Splendid, as expected.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers Dave

[@matthewmctaggart7506]

Watching these videos makes me wish I could travel back in time and see these castles in their full glory

[@louisemerriman1079]

Absolute treat . Thankyou kevin

[@sam7687-i9b]

Great one Kevin nice always enjoyable to watch and learn .

[@thehistorysquad]

Thanks 👍

[@kirkmorrison6131]

It came up just as I was heading to bed after a sleepless night. Heck I had put off bed and watch this video first

[@thehistorysquad]

😜 just what you need to take your mind off things

[@williampollock1274]

Thanks! I bet this Castle would have been something to see back then. An engineering marvel.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hey William, thanks again for the SUPER. The keep at Rochester here is very imposing but yes, can you imagine in its prime?

[@williampollock1274]

@@thehistorysquad I haven't watched for a couple months. But the way you keep up with your fans comments you will see that I've been binge-watching all afternoon. As a yank I'm off to bed while you are just waking up.😂👍😁

[@egallagher41]

Listening to your (brilliant) tale and looking at the castle reminded me of a film that I had seen "Ironclad" all about the siege and its history, great film but you do it so much better, thank you.

[@thehistorysquad]

Wow, thank you! Ironclad, it was a good film though wasn't it 😉

[@bansenpy5553]

❤just in time

[@chrisdonlon5603]

fabulous as always

[@alililley5697]

I love opening this app and seeing a new Medieval video from you!!! 🎉

[@bainpoultry1075]

Dear Kevin, I bet your account of Matthew Hopkins would be a great story and including the methods used on those poor souls God bless them. Your story telling is always by far the best!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

Food for thought, thanks!

[@Batters56]

It’s on my visit list!

[@garyi.1360]

Great tour, Kevin. It's like I was there. And that's nice because I haven't been to that part of the country.

[@crystalclear6864]

Tks kevin.such joy

[@lainydepp]

Love the castle videos 😊❤

[@gazzertrn]

Another goodun Kev . Cheers .

[@Slippypotatoes]

Oh yeah another castle upload 😁🎉

[@tsifj]

I love the castle tours! I watch every video multiple times to really comprehend their complexity. I find fascinating both the initial construction and their development through history. Thanks for sharing!

[@thehistorysquad]

My pleasure, thanks for watching.

[@PSDuck216]

Kevin, cracking good tour of the castle! Here’s a small but historical point. King John did not sign the Magna Carta. He and the other nobles affixed their seals to it with sealing wax. That’s how it was done in the day. The Victorians and other artists never researched this well enough. Even though I don’t comment each time, I view every one of your productions and give it a thumbs up. You warm my historian’s heart. Carry on! Cheers!

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers buddy, much appreciated.

[@adamlord3550]

This is probably very random, but I had to share this somewhere. So I visited Lancaster castle today, this is really the only significant castle I've visited so far and I do plan on visiting more, but my word, it's such an amazing experience, visiting these sort of places. As I walked around the first thing that caught my eye, was the stone work. All the stones on the castle walls wore chisle marks all over and I couldn't help but think, I am literally looking at and touching marks left by stone workers 600-800 years ago. Another thing is, I felt so small. I really felt so insignificant walking around. By that I mean, the scale creates such a unique perspective. Lancaster castle itself is super interesting and I do hope you're able to make a video of it some day, especially with the grim history that you know we all love. (Pendle witch trials.) There's a well tower there and it's one of the most interesting places I've ever been. It's fascinating how quiet it was. The first thing I did was look up and again, the stonework....I'm rambling at this point, but mate, one of the best experiences of my life.

[@thehistorysquad]

Hi Adam, great to hear you had a fabulous day. I've never visited Lancaster castle myself, but I might just have to add it to my bucket list.

[@sfcsabo1319]

I absolutely love Kevin’s historic videos! I wish Kevin would do a collaboration with Time Team! That would be epic!

[@arthurthrasher1580]

Always great😊

[@allanburt5250]

Excellent Kevin, been a long time since i was down there. Enjoy your visit back Cheers

[@OliverMartin-xk6rd]

Kevin continues to carry the message! Thank you for taking us along another stellar tour!

[@buzsalmon]

Kev thank you so much for telling us all about this castle! And each and every one of your wonderful videos! You are the best ole copper brother I know ❤️ all your work.

[@thehistorysquad]

Cheers! Much appreciated 👍

[@anavergeplayer57]

another great video

[@HootOwl513]

A Ghost flits by, in a background window at frame [17:41].

[@buggyman95]

Always love your castle tours. Going to a castle is always a great day out in my opinion. You can really see what life was like as every member of a community had some impact on a castle

[@thehistorysquad]

So true!

[@jackransom.]

gorgeous castle and beautiful arches, thanks! Can imagine the woodwork.

[@nickh4280]

Ah Kevin our legend! Making great videos back to back as always. Keep at it and always looking forward to the next one like a child at ToysRus - P.S welcome back home ❤

[@bostarbird5282]

Another wonderful tour of the past. The way you describe it all I could imagine what it must have looked like. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@margomaloney6016]

You are amazing - you know castle construction details like the back of your hand! I loved the info about the double row of pigeon nooks! Thanks for sharing, Kevin! 🥰

[@thehistorysquad]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Good one Kevin! Thanks for this one!

[@mitchel8522]

Yes, another castle tour. Magnificent Kevin!

[@thehistorysquad]

Many thanks!

[@meredithc2755]

Fascinating! Everything was interesting, but the pigeon cubbies idea was a new one for me. Ingenious!

[@lifagrass]

Another fantastic video! Felt like I was actually there with you while you took me thru the castles, not just watching thru a video! Thank you SO much!!!!

[@thehistorysquad]

That’s really good to hear, thanks

[@zact2342]

Great tour! Thank you for passing on these important and intriguing details