
A visit to Rochester Cathedral, Kent, England
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.

Quick Links
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?


An interesting read
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.
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.

There’s so much more
Everyone’s welcome at Rochester Cathedral
Young and old alike

Rochester on Video
We have created a little YouTube video of Rochester - why not check it out?
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A fitting tribute to Armistice Day
Rochester Cathedral’s community spirit


How to get to Rochester
Rochester Cathedral Quire
An enchanting chorus fills the air
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.

Kent rural road trip
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.


Accessibility

Map, guides and more
When you’re nurturing the seed of a road trip, plotting your destinations across a paper map just brings the adventure to life. Whether it’s the touchy-feely aspect of the map or the rustling sound of mastering the art of origami while trying to fold it away, I’m not too sure. Nonetheless, the good old Ordnance Survey guys and gals always come up trumps.
Take a look at the vast array of maps you can choose from.
Off to King’s School
Second oldest school in the world

Visit some of Kent’s Historic Towns, Villages & Cities
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Inspired to visit Rochester Cathedral?

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