Medway

Medway is a river in Kent, England, and the name commonly used for the surrounding Medway Council area. The River Medway rises in the High Weald in East Sussex and flows northeast to the Thames Estuary, passing through the towns of Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Strood before reaching the estuary near the Hoo Peninsula and Sheerness.

Historically, the river and its towns have been closely tied to Britain's naval and maritime heritage. Chatham Dockyard, established in the 16th century, became one of the Royal Navy's principal shipyards until its closure in 1984. The 1667 Raid on the Medway, when the Dutch fleet attacked ships anchored at Chatham, is among the most famous episodes in naval history. Rochester also features a medieval cathedral and castle, reflecting the long history of the area.

Medway Council is a unitary authority that has administered the area since 1998. It is part of the ceremonial county of Kent and is represented in Parliament by MPs for its constituent areas. The region today has a mixed economy that includes manufacturing, logistics, public services, and education, with cultural attractions such as the Historic Dockyard Chatham and the historic streets of Rochester.

Transport links include rail services from Chatham, Rochester, and Gillingham to London and other destinations, and road connections via the M2 corridor crossing the River Medway. The river continues to shape the geography and identity of the area, supporting tourism, heritage preservation, and regional commerce.