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T O P I C     R E V I E W Paul I am currently researching the history of Upnor castle in Kent,England, and I was wondering if anyone has any maps or charts of the River Medway around the time of the second Anglo-Dutch war. Any photographs of Upnor castle taken from the river would be helpful too. Paul. [This message has been edited by Paul (edited 08-24-2005).] AJR Paul, I have some photographs of Upnor Castle, taken whilst travelling down the river on the paddle steamer. I also an old postcard viewing the castle from the river. I'll download these to the internet, then provide you with the link. If you like any of them, let me know, and I can e-mail them to you. http://www.castleduncan.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=983&st=0&p=9651& [This message has been edited by AJR (edited 08-25-2005).] Paul Thanks AJR, the photos are just what I am looking for. It is almost impossible to get a good shot of the front of the castle without hiring a boat. I will credit the photos to you when my new website goes up sometime next year if thats ok. Thanks again, Paul. [This message has been edited by Paul (edited 08-25-2005).] Peter Hi Paul, you've no doubt already had a look at places like; abebooks.co.uk they do have some fascinating stuff on the site. Including expensive prints. Peter Paul Thanks Peter, I am just doing some final research on Upnor for inclusion on my next website. I have most of the important history already worked out and written, but one thing that I can not find conclusive evidence for is the chain across the River Medway. Some sources say that the chain was broken by the ships of the Dutch fleet but others say that it was cast loose by a Dutch landing party. I know that this subject has been mentioned before on this forum but any further evidence would be greatly appreciated as I believe that there is not too much information regarding Upnor castle on the web and I intend to change that. Regards, Paul. AJR Mike Salter's book mentions the chain, but sheds no more light on the matter. I have not checked John Guy's book, but I suspect that is similar. The English Heritage castle guide by Andrew Saunders I guess you have already seen. Failing that, the British Library might be able to assist. Good luck Andrew Paul Thanks Andrew, I have indeed read the A.D.Saunders guide but it throws little light on the subject. However, I think that the theory of a Dutch landing party casting the chain loose is flawed in that the chain was defended on both sides of the river, Hoo Ness and Gillingham. I'll try the Britsh Library and let you know what I find. Thanks for the advice. Paul. Paul The 17th century diarist, Samuel Pepys visited Upnor castle on 30 June 1667 and wrote "Powell doth tell me ill news is come to Court of the Dutch breaking the chain at Chatham, which struck me to the heart, and to Whitehall to hear the truth of it, and there, going up the park stairs, I did hear some lackeys speaking of sad news come to Court, saying that hardly anybody in the court but doth look as if he cried. For the news is true, that the Dutch have broken the chain and burned our ships and particularly the Royal Charles, other particulars I know not, but most sad to be sure.' So, it would appear that the chain was broken and not cast loose by a landing party. Paul. [This message has been edited by Paul (edited 08-27-2005).]

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