The Six Poor Travellers' House, Rochester
Discover Rochester’s Tudor charity house that sheltered six poor travellers nightly, inspiring Dickens and preserving centuries of social history.
The Six Poor Travellers' House in Rochester is a historic 16th-century charity almshouse founded by Richard Watts to provide free lodging and sustenance for six impoverished travellers. This Grade I listed Tudor building, with its original travellers' rooms and a tranquil physic garden, offers a unique glimpse into early social welfare and charity. The house inspired Charles Dickens' story 'The Seven Poor Travellers' and now serves as a museum showcasing its rich history and community legacy.
A brief summary to Six Poor Traveller House
- 97 High St, Rochester, The Precinct, ME1 1LX, GB
- +441634849861
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check current opening status before visiting, as the museum undergoes periodic maintenance and may be temporarily closed.
- Explore the tranquil physic garden behind the house for a peaceful break and insight into historic herbal medicine.
- The building is not wheelchair or pushchair accessible due to historic architecture and multiple levels.
- Look for exhibits related to Charles Dickens’ visit and his story 'The Seven Poor Travellers' inside the museum.
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 High Street leads to the Six Poor Travellers' House. The route is mostly flat but includes some cobbled sections and is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
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Bus
Local bus services connect Rochester town center with stops near High Street. Bus travel time varies from 10 to 25 minutes depending on starting point. Check schedules as frequency can be limited on weekends. Walking from the bus stop to the house takes about 5 minutes.
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Car
Driving to Rochester town center is possible, but parking is limited and often paid. Nearest car parks are a 5-10 minute walk from the house. Expect charges of approximately £2-£5 for a few hours. The historic precinct has narrow streets, so driving directly to the house is not advised.
Six Poor Traveller House location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Six Poor Traveller House
A Tudor Legacy of Charity and Shelter
The Six Poor Travellers' House was established in 1586 following the will of Richard Watts, a prominent 16th-century dockyard victualler and local MP. Watts left funds to provide six rooms within an existing almshouse on Rochester's High Street specifically for poor travellers, offering them a night's lodging, food, and a small monetary gift to aid their onward journey. This act of philanthropy was groundbreaking for its time, reflecting a deep commitment to social welfare during an era when poverty was harshly treated. The travellers were given a half-pound of meat, a pound of bread, and coffee in the evening, with further coffee and four pence in the morning, enough to prevent them from being classified as vagrants under the Poor Law Act of 1576.Architectural and Historical Significance
The building itself is a fine example of Tudor architecture, constructed of dressed ashlar stone and featuring six individual rooms for travellers, each equipped with a chimney and basic furnishings. Over the centuries, the house was maintained and expanded, including the addition of a sitting room in 1845 for the travellers' evening use. The ground floor has been preserved as a museum, with the travellers' rooms restored to their historical state, allowing visitors to experience the atmosphere of a 16th-century almshouse. The upper floors were converted into flats for elderly couples after 1948, maintaining the building’s residential use.From Almshouse to Museum and Literary Inspiration
The house remained in continuous use as a travellers’ lodging until 1940, when wartime restrictions led to its closure. Since then, it has functioned as a museum dedicated to the legacy of Richard Watts and the social history of Rochester. The house gained literary fame through Charles Dickens, who visited in 1854 and later wrote 'The Seven Poor Travellers,' a short story inspired by the charity’s work. Dickens’ connection has attracted literary enthusiasts and adds cultural depth to the site.The Physic Garden and Tranquil Setting
Behind the house lies a beautifully maintained physic garden, historically used for growing medicinal herbs. This garden offers a peaceful retreat and a sensory link to Tudor-era healing practices. The garden complements the museum experience by providing a serene outdoor space that reflects the house’s historical function as a place of care and refuge.Community Impact and Ongoing Legacy
Beyond its function as an almshouse, the Six Poor Travellers’ House played a broader role in Rochester’s social welfare, including serving as a House of Correction in the 17th and 18th centuries. The charity established by Watts evolved over time, supporting apprenticeships and public baths, and continues today through the Richard Watts Charities. The house stands as a testament to centuries of community care, philanthropy, and social responsibility.Visitor Experience and Preservation Challenges
Visitors to the house can explore the historic rooms and learn about the charity’s origins and operations. The building’s Grade I listing and architectural complexity mean it is not wheelchair accessible, with many steps and varying floor levels. The museum is currently closed for maintenance but remains a treasured heritage site. Donations support its upkeep, ensuring that Richard Watts’ legacy endures for future generations.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the kind of experience you’re after
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For how adventurous you want the journey to be
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Location Audience
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