by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:26th April 2019
An incredible 1,400 years of history under one roof
The historical town of Rochester sits along the River Medway in the southeast UK county of Kent (we’ll gloss over the fact that Rochester used to be a city, and due to an administrative error, the city status was lost).
However, Rochester is perfect for a family mini-break as there are so many things to do for all ages in Rochester, and especially Chatham Historic Dockyard just down the road.
Rochester may also ring a bell with many of you for its ancient Norman Castle or that it was home to Charles Dickens for a number of years. However, this historic town is also home to a Cathedral, and this building has some incredible history.
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Where is Rochester Cathedral
How to get to Rochester Cathedral
- By Train
You can catch a train from London St Pancras or London Victoria to Rochester Station which takes around 40 minutes.
- By Car
Rochester is just over 3 miles (4.5km) off Junction 2 of the M2 motorway. Parking is limited, but there are a few car parks in and around the town.
Happy Anniversary, Rochester Cathedral
Centuries of ancient historyRochester Cathedral dates from the early 7th – century AD604, when the Saxon Cathedral first consecrated the ground, making it the second oldest Cathedral in England after Canterbury.
In 2004 the 1,400th anniversary of the cathedral and the diocese of Rochester was celebrated. And why not, 1,400 years is a long time?
The Façade of Rochester Cathedral
The Norman/Gothic style Cathedral as you see it today dates from 1080 when Gundulf a French Benedictine monk was appointed as the first Norman Bishop of Rochester. Gundulf was sent from Bec Abbey, which weirdly we’d visited on our trip to Normandy in 2017.
Bec Abbey, Normandy, France
Rochester’s 150-year-old Catalpa tree
Nurturing nature through historyThe cathedral appears slightly overshadowed by the castle peering down from above, but I assure you it is striking in its own right.
During the 12th-century due to damage, re-building work was carried out, and this is reflected in the Gothic architecture upon the building.
Rochester Cathedral & Catalpa Tree
Standing in front of the cathedral is a 150-year-old Catalpa tree, due to its fragile nature in 2015 a fence was placed around it for protection.
If you're intrigued by Kent's weird and wonderful history, or all unusual stories around the county, then take a peek at "Kent's Strangest Tales".
You won't be able to put it down, you can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old paperback.
Everyone’s welcome at Rochester Cathedral
Young and old alikeAs you step inside, smiley volunteers are waiting to have a chat with you and happy to discuss anything you like to know about the cathedral.
The Central Nave
An aisle within the cathedral
Not only is this a place of prayer and reflection but, the church also welcomes school parties to learn more about how Rochester Cathedral played a part in British history.
Our video of Rochester
We have created a little YouTube video of Rochester. Why not take a look?
Also, why not subscribe to our YouTube channel and get the latest clips as we post them?
A fitting tribute to Armistice Day
Rochester Cathedral’s community spiritStanding at the end of the central nave above the screen is the pipe organ, which originates from more recent times of 1905.
The Cathedral organ
At this point, spin around and take a look at the stained-glass windows standing high above.
The main stained glass window
Rochester Cathedral isn’t too far from where we live, and on one of the occasions we visited, it was just prior to the 100th anniversary of Armistice Day. Throughout the central nave there were beautiful displays of poppies, a large number of which had been hand-knitted (not by me I hasten to add).
Inside, decorated with knitted poppies
Where to stay in Rochester
The Royal Victoria & Bull Hotel
Located within the heart of historic Rochester. Easy walking distance to the Castle, Cathedral, the River Medway and a great selection of restaurants.
The Gordon House Hotel
This traditional, comfortable hotel is located along the Dickensian High Street in Rochester. Just a short stroll to the Castle and Cathedral.
Rochester Cathedral Quire
An enchanting chorus fills the airKeep wandering along the aisles of the cathedral, and you’ll almost double back on yourselves to see the organ in reverse. Here also is the wonderful quire and where Rochester’s choir boys and girls sit along the wooden panelled pews, to sing their hearts out.
The Choir towards the nave
Where to eat & drink in Rochester
Rochester has a fine selection of places to eat & drink, some of our favourites are;
- Don Vincenzo -A wonderful family-run, unpretentious Italian restaurant that is a joy to experience on the high street.
- Café Nucleus - great little place at the Bridge end of the high street for a coffee or more
- The Cooper's Arms - A great traditional pub, just a short stroll from the Castle & Cathedral
- The Two Brewers - Another traditional pub, this time a Shepherd Neame one, midway down the High Street
- Thai Four Two - A splendid little Thai restaurant on the High Street
- Three Sheets to the Wind – An unusual twist in this family-run pub, there’s a delightful Anglo-Austrian mix.
- The Eagle Tavern - A great little independent pub in the centre of the high street.
- Ye Arrow - Pub with a garden view overlooking Rochester Castle & Cathedral
Gundulf and the King’s Engineers
The "father of the Corps of Royal Engineers"Gundulf, the Bishop of Rochester had an incredible talent for architecture and military engineering while serving under three Kings of England. Gundulf was appointed as the first "King's Engineer".
Gundulf built several castles, including Rochester, Colchester and the White Tower of the Tower of London.
Plaque to Colonel J.R.M. Chard VC
Throughout Rochester Cathedral there are plaques and tributes to the King’s Engineers, one of which was to Colonel J.R.M. Chard. Colonel Chard was decorated with the Victoria Cross for his role in the defence of Rorke's Drift in January 1879.
There’s so much more
You’ve probably been tempted to visit Rochester Castle, which is run by English Heritage. However, take a look at our 10 reasons to unearth Rochester for more inspiration.
Rochester Cathedral Crypt
Sweeping medieval archesIn 2016, a restoration project was undertaken in the Medieval Crypt, Vestry and Chapter Library, as part of the Hidden Treasures; Fresh Expression Lottery project.
As you head down the stairs below the vaulted Crypt opens out before you. This is the oldest part of Rochester Cathedral and dates from the 1080s.
The Medieval Crypt
Tribute in the Crypt
There are beautiful swathes of arches which is now home to a chapel that is directly below the presbytery. Also down here is a lovely exhibition dedicated to Rochester and its bridge across the River Medway. And if you’re feeling a little tired why not enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake in their café?
Accessibility
In 2017, after the restoration project was carried out in the Crypt, a lift was installed for disabled access. So, everyone is welcome!
Chapel in the Crypt
Discover more of the Medway Valley
Would you like to head out and explore further afield? With its quaint towns and villages filled with history and charm, the Medway Valley has plenty to offer. Check out our post on 'A Scenic Medway Valley, Kent Road Trip'.
Off to King’s School
The second oldest school in the worldWhen Rochester Cathedral was built in AD604, it was also a requirement by the Bishop to build a school, this was for chorister training for the priests. Therefore, King’s School was created in the same year and is still operating today. It is the second oldest continually operating school in the world, after King’s School in Canterbury also in Kent.
King's School, Rochester
Would you like to discover the ancient city of Canterbury, have a peek at Our Canterbury Tales post?
King's School in Canterbury
Visit some of Kent’s Historic Towns, Villages & Cities
Kent is not short of picturesque historic towns & villages, Why not check out our posts on those we've visited with tips & inspiration to get the most out of your visit?
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