Taking and siege of Rochester

• Rochester castle was one of the most impressive and important fortresses in England- if John took it it would be very hard for Prince Louis to lead an army to London to join the rebel barons
• In October, Richard laid siege to Rochester castle, and succeeded by tunnelling underneath it, destroying the bridges leading to it, building stone-throwing machines and cutting off the defenders inside
• On 30th November 1215, the castle collapsed, and the inhabitants surrendered
• John quickly moved north as the rebels had gained the Scottish king’s support