English Cathedrals - Rochester - the West Door - Decorated arched Doorway. Part of Box 144 Boswell Collection - English Cathedrals Rochester is a town and historic city in the unitary authority of Medway in Kent, England. It is situated at the lowest bridging point of the River Medway about 30 miles (50 km) from London. Rochester was for many years a favourite of Charles Dickens, who owned nearby Gads Hill Place, Higham,[basing many of his novels on the area.