The old arched bridge over the Medway, shown in the 'then' photo, dated from 1776 but was not the first. It was itself replaced in 1888 by the one we see today, designed to minimise obstruction to the flow of water. A Medway barge, and beyond it the substantial Bridge House, can be seen in the pre-1888 view, while the Castle wall on the opposite bank is completely lost in the trees.