James Melvin Gibson Books

Identifiable remains of Rochester bridge date back to the Roman occupation, with records of the bridge administration spanning nearly 200 years of economic and social change. The history of the various crossings, culminating in the Medway Tunnel project of the 1990s, reflects broader regional and national developments. The extensive archive of the bridge administration details practical matters like maintenance and financial management while also shedding light on the individuals involved in the bridge's history. The six studies included focus on distinct periods, situating the history of this ancient river crossing within the larger context of economic, social, and political history. NIGEL YATES served as County Archivist of Kent from 1980 to 1990 and is now a Consultant Historian for Kent County Council and General Editor of the Kent History Project. JAMES M. GIBSON is the archivist for the Rochester Bridge Trust and has previously lectured in English at Houghton College, New York. Other contributors include NICHOLAS P. BROOKS, R.H. BRITNELL, DAVID ORMROD, JAMES PRESTON, P.F. COOPER, and GLYN C. JONES.