Six Poor Travellers House, Rochester
Step into Tudor philanthropy and Dickensian charm at Rochester’s historic Six Poor Travellers House, a timeless sanctuary for travellers since 1579.
The Six Poor Travellers House in Rochester is a historic Tudor-era charity house founded in 1579 by Elizabethan MP Richard Watts. It provided free lodging and sustenance for six impoverished travellers each night for over 350 years, closing in 1940. Immortalized by Charles Dickens in his Christmas story 'The Seven Poor Travellers,' this Grade I listed building features original Tudor architecture, a museum on the ground floor, and a tranquil herb garden in its courtyard.
A brief summary to Six Poor Traveller House
- 97 High St, Rochester, The Precinct, ME1 1LX, GB
- +441634849861
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during warmer months to enjoy the fragrant herb garden in full bloom, enhancing the sensory experience.
- Check ahead for museum opening times as the site undergoes periodic maintenance and may have restricted access.
- Explore the ground floor museum to see original Tudor rooms and artefacts that tell the story of the charity’s long history.
- Combine your visit with a walk around Rochester’s historic High Street to soak up the Dickensian atmosphere.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Train and Walk
From Rochester railway station, a 15-20 minute walk along the High Street leads to the Six Poor Travellers House. The route is mostly flat but includes cobbled streets, so comfortable footwear is recommended. No additional cost beyond train fare.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Rochester town centre with stops near High Street. Bus journeys typically take 10-15 minutes from Medway towns. Tickets cost approximately £2-£4. Check schedules for frequency and accessibility.
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Car
Driving to Rochester is straightforward via A2 or M2. Parking is available in nearby public car parks within a 5-10 minute walk. Charges vary but expect around £5-£10 for a few hours. The High Street is pedestrianized, so parking outside is restricted.
Six Poor Traveller House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Six Poor Traveller House
Origins of a Tudor Charity
The Six Poor Travellers House traces its origins to the will of Richard Watts, a 16th-century dockyard victualler and local MP, who died in 1579. His bequest funded the construction of six rooms within the existing Rochester almshouse to provide free lodging and a small stipend to impoverished travellers passing through the city. This act of philanthropy was deeply rooted in Tudor social welfare ideals and the Poor Law Act of 1576, which mandated that those with less than four pence were considered vagrants. Watts' charity aimed to prevent such hardship by offering shelter and four pence to each traveller, ensuring their dignity and safety for one night unless illness required longer care.Architecture and Setting
The building itself is a fine example of Tudor architecture, constructed primarily of dressed ashlar stone. Over the centuries, it was expanded and adapted, with additions in 1587 and 1845, while retaining its historic character. The house’s six small bedrooms, each equipped with a chimney and simple furnishings, remain evocative of the era. The ground floor has been converted into a museum space where visitors can explore artefacts, interpretive displays, and the original travellers’ rooms. The adjoining courtyard features a beautifully maintained herb garden, historically a physic garden, which adds a sensory dimension with its aromatic plants and tranquil atmosphere.Literary Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Six Poor Travellers House gained literary fame through Charles Dickens, who visited in 1854 and immortalized it in his Christmas short story "The Seven Poor Travellers," casting himself as the seventh traveller. This connection has cemented the house’s cultural significance and is celebrated annually during Rochester’s Dickensian Christmas Festival, where the charity’s spirit is honored with a ceremonial turkey distribution to the needy. The house stands as a symbol of enduring charity and community care, bridging Tudor philanthropy with Victorian literary heritage.Historical Roles Beyond Charity
Beyond its primary function as an almshouse for travellers, the building served multiple social roles. In the 17th century, parts of it were used as a House of Correction for minor and later more serious offences, reflecting the evolving civic needs of Rochester. The charity also extended its care to poor children of the city from 1615 onwards. The house’s operation ceased in 1940 due to wartime restrictions on casual wayfarers, marking the end of over 350 years of continuous service.Modern Preservation and Visitor Experience
Today, the Six Poor Travellers House is managed by Richard Watts Charities and is a Grade I listed building. The upper floors continue to provide accommodation for elderly residents, while the ground floor operates as a museum, although it is currently closed for essential maintenance. Visitors can experience the atmospheric Tudor rooms, learn about the charity’s history, and enjoy the peaceful herb garden. The house’s restricted access due to its historic fabric means it is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs, preserving its authenticity.Atmosphere and Surroundings
Situated on Rochester’s historic High Street within The Precinct, the house is surrounded by cobbled streets and quaint shops that evoke the charm of a bygone era. The gentle hum of bees in the herb garden and the scent of lavender create a serene environment, inviting reflection on the legacy of kindness and community embedded in the building’s walls. The Six Poor Travellers House remains a poignant reminder of social care through the centuries and a unique cultural landmark in Kent.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Rochester Castle
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Guildhall Museum
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Restoration House
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The Historic Dockyard Chatham
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The Leather Bottle
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St Mary Magdalene Church, Cobham
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Coalhouse Fort Park
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Canvey Wick
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Essential places to dine
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Leigh Bistro Restaurant
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Toulouse Restaurant
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Oyster Creek Kitchen
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Padrino Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
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Prowse Restaurant
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Piccolo
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Great Tides Restaurant & Bar
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Il Mondo Southend
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Aurum Restaurant
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La Petite Petanque
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San Fairie Ann
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The Royal Hotel
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Historic charm meets modern dining with stunning estuary views at Southend’s iconic Royal Hotel.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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Latham Street
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Store Thirty3
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A Touch Too Wild
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La Luna Boutique
20.4 km
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Eliza Boutique
21.2 km
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Argosy Toys & Gifts
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Books-on-Sea
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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(Admin Office) The Mobile Nightclub
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Historic
- Unique
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
