ROCHESTER Castle has won a top tourism award.

The castle, run by Medway Council on behalf of English Heritage, matched all criteria in a recent quality assessment and has been awarded the VAQAS marque (Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme) managed by VisitBritain.

The marque is given to show visitors as an indication of high-quality standards. In the past few months the castle has undergone safety and conservation work.

In addition, the shop has been re-fitted. New furniture and lighting has been installed which has allowed an increase in the range of stock offered.

The castle's great keep is one of the tallest in the country. It measures 113 feet high, 70 feet square and has walls 12 feet thick in places. It was on, or close to, the present castle site that the Romans built their first fort to guard the bridge carrying their legions over the river on their way from Dover to London and beyond.

Some centuries later, in 1087, Bishop Gundulf - one of William the Conqueror's finest architects - began the construction of today's castle, making use of what remained of the original Roman city walls.

The castle has had a chequered history, having been three times subjected to siege and was partly demolished in 1215 by King John, who gained entry by undermining the south-west tower, using the fat from 40 pigs to set fire to the pit props. Today, visitors can see the rebuilt round tower, contrasting with the square towers of the original Norman castle.

Rochester Castle is open from 10am to 6pm between 1 April and 30 September, and 10am to 4pm between 1 October and 31 March. Admission prices: Adults £4, children/students £3, concessions £3, family ticket £11.