Rochester Castle built during Henry III's reign were never repaired; it has been suggested this was because by the 14th century, when considerable sums were being spent on repairs elsewhere in the castle, Rochester had fallen out of favour as a royal residence. As the castle's importance as a high-status residence waned, its role as a barracks and administrative centre came to the fore. The reign of Richard II (1377–1400) saw the investment of £500 in repairing the castle. This was in part in response to French raids on England's southern coast during the Hundred Years' War as England's fortunes in the
John Roches John Roches Sir John Roches (c.1333-1400), of Bromham, Wiltshire, was an English admiral, diplomat, magistrate and politician. He was made Ambassador to the Kingdom of Aragon from 30 October 1377 to 4 May 1378, and then again 20 June 1378 . He was then elected as Member (MP) of the Parliament of England for Wiltshire in 1381, May 1382, October 1382, February 1383, April 1384, November 1390, 1394, January 1397 and 1399. He was first appointed Admiral to the West a senior command of the English Navy from 22 May 1381 to 23 November 1383. He was then given the