The Rochester Bridge Trust was founded in 1399 and is the only surviving independent bridge trust that still serves its original purpose: to provide passage over, under or across the River Medway at Rochester.
During the late 14th and early 15th centuries benefactors endowed the Trust with lands in London, Essex and Kent. That estate still exists today and the income is used to maintain Rochester Bridge. Some of those original properties – such as Langdon Manor Farm in Faversham – continue to stay in the Trust’s ownership.
As a result, the Trust has an interest in agriculture and is keen to inspire the next generation of farmers. It does so with its Spence Agricultural Scholars programme, which supports young farmers at university, and through involvement at events such as Living Land. The Trust is regulated by the Charity Commission and provides all of its services entirely free to the public. To find out more visit www.rbt.org.uk.
