Rochester Cathedral

Beautiful Rochester Cathedral, as seen from Rochester Castle. The River Medway can be seen behind the Cathedral.

Earlier this year we were lucky enough to win two tickets to visit Rochester Cathedral, as part of the Big Kent Weekend draw. My husband and I were both very pleased to be able to travel to Rochester on a lovely Spring Sunday.

The Norman Great West Door of the Cathedral, showing the wonderful Tympanum above the entrance. 

Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest Cathedral in England, the oldest being Durham Cathedral. Rochester Cathedral was founded in 604 AD by Bishop Justus. As with all of these wonderful buildings there have been many changes over the centuries, with many different examples of architecture to be seen.

Looking East towards the altar, showing the Norman arches, and the wooden roof.

In the photos above and below can be seen the side aisles, built as later additions 

The wonderful organ and organ screen leading into the Quire, and on to the main Altar. Sadly we were unable to visit the area beyond the screen on this occasion, our guide was unable to tell us why, so we will have to visit this beautiful building again another time.

It is always good to look up :D

The Great West Window.

Wonderful stained glass windows.

Remains of painting on the walls.

The newly restored Crypt.

Decorated Norman arch.

More: https://en.advisor.travel/poi/Rochester-Cathedral-18196

A modern Fresco painted in 2004 by Russian icon painter Sergei Fyodorov to celebrate the 1400th anniversary of the Cathedral. 

After visiting this wonderful building we went across the road to Rochester Castle, more of that in the next blog :)