256* HISTORY OF THE 



a commodious stand, has been greatly enlarged 

 and improved. The theatre is open during the 

 races, besides which there are balls and other 

 gaieties. 



Rochester and Chatham. — Rochester is an an- 

 cient city and port, 8 and a ^ miles from Maid- 

 stone, and 29 from London, on the Dover road, 

 standing on the river Medway, a handsome stone 

 bridge over which connects this city with Stroud. 

 Rochester contains a small theatre, assembly rooms, 

 libraries, floating baths on the Medway &c., and in 

 its vicinity are extensive and beautiful promenades. 

 It is besides celebrated for its ancient cathedral 

 and castle. 



Chatham is a market town and parish adjoining 

 Rochester, and is famous for its dock-yard and 

 fortifications. These two places together are 

 said to contain nearly 25,000 inhabitants.— The 

 races here take place about the beginning of Sep- 

 tember, and continue two days. In addition to the 

 two plates of £50 each, given by the members 

 for the western division of the county of Kent, 

 and the members for Rochester and Chatham, 

 the officers of the garrison give £50 to be run 

 for. 



Lee. — A small village near Eltham. Races were 

 established at this place in 1830, but as yet they 

 are merely of local interest. 



Tunbridge Wells. — A fashionable watering- 

 place, which owes its importance to its medicinal 



