Strood

Strood is a town in the Medway unitary authority in Kent, England. It lies on the north bank of the River Medway opposite Rochester and forms part of the Medway urban area. The town is connected to surrounding areas by the A2 road, local bus services, and Strood railway station, which sits on the Chatham Main Line and provides services to London and other Kent towns. The River Medway has historically shaped Strood’s economy, with river trade and related industries, while today the town combines residential areas with a commercial town centre.

The origins of Strood date back to medieval times, and the settlement expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries with improvements to transport links and industrial activity along the river. The arrival of the railway in the 19th century contributed to population growth and changed commuting patterns for residents of Strood and nearby towns.

Governance and community: Strood is part of the Medway unitary authority and lies within the Rochester and Strood parliamentary constituency. Local facilities include primary and secondary education, libraries, parks, and a range of shops and services serving residents of Strood and the surrounding area. In recent decades, parts of Strood have undergone regeneration projects aimed at improving housing, streetscapes, and riverfront development.