Pictures of Rochester Cathedral

a Historic Building in the town of Rochester, in the county of Kent

Rochester Cathedral Picture Tour Hotels near Rochester Cathedral Rochester Cathedral Facts Rochester Cathedral Forum Submit pictures Nearby Towns Nearby Attractions Rochester Cathedral Map Add attraction to favourites

About Rochester Cathedral

Rochester Cathedral is awesome in its beauty, matching this is an impressive history stretching back to when the cathedral was founded in 604 by Bishop Justus.

The building then was of an abbey, this was destroyed by the Danes, but was later rebuilt by Bishop Gundulph in the 11th-century when he established an order of Benedictine monks here.

The structure of the building is mainly Norman, particularly the impressive nave and beautifully preserved vaulted crypt, the rest is Early English, but owing to the damage caused by fires of the 12th-century the cathedral shows additions and alterations of several church building styles. The facade of the building is pure Romanesque, probably the finest in England, whilst the rich interior possesses a wealth of interesting features, all quietly contrasting but all displaying a magnificence which constantly draws the eye to every corner of the building.

Rochester Cathedral is noted for its fine funery monuments, probably the most important of these is the one to the Ist Lord Henniker, this is in true Victorian Romantic style, by John Bacon the Younger (1777-1859) he was the son of the famous sculptor John Bacon (1740-1799). The monument is carved from marble, it shows statues of stately, well endowed females in comfortable repose leaning against a casket. To the side of this is a similar monument to Dame Anne Henniker, again this is in high relief with a casket flanked by two free standing figures, one being a bare-breasted angel and the other a winged statue of Time, complete with scythe. Other monuments include those to past Bishops, with the most interesting being the medieval effigies of the medieval bishops, there is also several 20th-century statues and monuments.

Amongst its other treasures is the magnificent 14th-century Chapter library door, and most recently Rochester has become the first English cathedral in over 800 years to be enhanced with a fresco. This rich painting by Sergei Fyodorov dominates the north nave transept and adds to Rochester's unique attraction for visitors.

Of further historic interest is that this is said to be the place where Henry VIII met Anne of Cleeves in the cathedral cloisters, also that Bishop Gundulph built the castle opposite the cathedral, and is believed to have been instrumental in the building of the Tower of London. Another anecdote tells that in the early 19th-century the diocese had become so poor that the cathedral became a place of ill-repute, used for gaming and drinking, causing Samuel Pepys to regard it as a "Shabby place". Eventually after a period of long neglect Sir Gilbert Scott was called upon to restore the cathedral back to its former glory.

With over 1,400 years of worship Rochester cathedral is the second oldest in the land. To-day, surrounded by lawns off-set by pretty flower beds, it presents a strikingly beautiful picture of a serene, historic house of God.

There is a pleasant tea-room and a shop for the purchase of religious articles, music and gifts.

Please upload your photos of Rochester Cathedral or see below for towns & villages near Rochester Cathedral and a list of other nearby attractions to visit.

Planning a visit? We have thousands of Hotels, Bed & Breakfast and Holiday Cottages to choose from at highly competetive rates when booked through the Pictures of England website. Click here for accommodation near Rochester Cathedral

Add attraction to favourites

Submit a history of Rochester Cathedral

Recommended towns & villages near Rochester Cathedral

	Gravesend (7.1 miles, 11.4 km, direction NW) Attractive old town overlooking the Thames estuary with walkways and picnic sites ideal for watching the busy water traffic, for this stretch of the river is said to be one of the busiest in the world... Information | Pictures (208) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Greenhithe (10.8 miles, 17.3 km, direction NW) Greenhithe is an area of Kent found sandwiched between the River Thames and Watling... Information | Pictures (12) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Sheerness (11.9 miles, 19.1 km, direction E) This is the port to which Nelson's body was brought home following his untimely death after his glorious victory at the Battle of Trafalgar... Information | Pictures (30) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Leigh-on-Sea (12.7 miles, 20.5 km, direction NE) At Leigh, visitors will find a small sandy beach and a narrow High Street containing lovely old fishermen's cottages. The resort is situated close to Leigh Marsh Nature Reserve and Two Tree Island, a lonely expanse of windswept grass and saltings... Information | Pictures (74) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages
	Southend-on-Sea (14.1 miles, 22.7 km, direction NE) Southend-on-Sea is mostly known for its long pier and large amusement park - Adventure Island, which has rides to suit all tastes and all ages... Information | Pictures (117) | Hotels | Holiday Cottages

Recommended attractions near Rochester Cathedral

	Charles Dickens Chalet (0.2 miles, 0.3 km) Unfortunately due to its fragility, the Dickens Chalet is not open to the public although it can be viewed from outside. The..... Information | Pictures (4) | Hotels
	Restoration House (0.3 miles, 0.4 km) .. Information | Pictures (1) | Hotels
	Rochester Castle (0.4 miles, 0.7 km) The impressive ruins of Rochester Castle at the side of the Medway River make up one of the most spectacular riverside views in..... Information | Pictures (75) | Hotels
	Historic Dockyard, Chatham (1.2 miles, 1.9 km, direction NE) Set in a stunning 80-acre estate The Historic Dockyard Chatham will excite and entertain you - whatever your age! Explore the..... Information | Pictures (55) | Hotels
	Upnor Castle (2.1 miles, 3.4 km, direction NE) The romantic ruins of this fabled centuries old fortress occupies one of the most delightful sites in England. The castle was..... Information | Pictures (42) | Hotels

Hotels near Rochester Cathedral

Hotels near Rochester Cathedral  Cottages near Rochester Cathedral  Bed & Breakfast near Rochester Cathedral

	St George Hotel Chatham, Kent, England (0.6 miles, 0.9 km) With free parking and free Wi-Fi, St George Hotel is a 5-minute walk from Chatham Railway Station. There is a traditional restaurant, modern bedrooms and a bar with games room.... More info and book online..  Price from £39.00
	Premier Inn Rochester Strood, Kent, England (1.3 miles, 2.0 km, direction W) This Premier Inn is located on the riverfront at Rochester’s Medway Valley Leisure Park. It is just one minute from junction 2 of the M2 and offers free parking.... More info and book online..  Price from £49.00
	King Charles Hotel Gillingham, Kent, England (1.5 miles, 2.4 km, direction NE) The King Charles Hotel is located in the heart of Medway, just a 10-minute walk from Gillingham town centre and Rail Station. Free parking is also provided. Rooms at the King Charles provide en suite... More info and book online..  Price from £35.00
	Ramada Encore Chatham Chatham, Kent, England (1.5 miles, 2.5 km, direction NE) This modern hotel is 800 metres from Chatham Marina and the Historic Dockyard Chatham. It has free Wi-Fi, free parking and air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV and power shower.... More info and book online..  Price from £49.00
	The Balmoral Guesthouse Gillingham, Kent, England (1.9 miles, 3.1 km, direction E) Situated in central Gillingham, The Balmoral Guesthouse is right next to Gillingham Rail Station. The shops and amenities of the town centre are a few minutes’ walk from the building. The Balmoral ... More info and book online..  Price from £42.00