Key facts
- Denomination
- Church of England
- Address
- Rochester
Kent - Built
- 650
- Listed status
- Grade I listed
- Architect
- Gundulf
Sources: Historic England list entry 1086423, Wikipedia, Wikidata Q2635720, OpenStreetMap, www.rochestercathedral.org
Before visiting Rochester Cathedral
Service times are not recorded in this listing. We cannot confirm when the next service takes place or whether the building opens outside worship hours.
We do not have confirmed information here about step-free access, accessible toilets, hearing support or supervised children’s groups. If these matter for your visit, ask the church about the specific service you plan to attend.
Check the church’s website →About Rochester Cathedral
Rochester Cathedral stands in Rochester, Kent, and belongs to the Church of England. Dedicated to Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary, it serves as the diocesan cathedral and houses the Bishop of Rochester’s seat. The bishopric is England’s second oldest, following Canterbury. The building is protected at Grade I.
The first cathedral was established in the early seventh century after King Æthelberht permitted Justus, Rochester’s first bishop, to found a church dedicated to Saint Andrew. It was served by secular clergy and associated with early priestly and choral education. After the Norman Conquest, the cathedral became impoverished and its fabric deteriorated. Gundulf, appointed bishop in 1077, recovered its property and began a Norman replacement around 1080. His design included an aisled presbytery above an undercroft that survives within the crypt, narrow transepts and a nine-bay nave that remained incomplete during his work. The surviving Gundulf Tower also dates from this rebuilding programme.
Getting there
Frequently asked questions
What denomination is Rochester Cathedral?⌄
Rochester Cathedral in Rochester belongs to the Church of England tradition.
How old is the Rochester Cathedral building?⌄
The building dates from 650. It is on the statutory register as a Grade I listed building. The architect was Gundulf.
How do I contact Rochester Cathedral?⌄
You can reach Rochester Cathedral by email at info@rochestercathedral.org and through its website at www.rochestercathedral.org.
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About this listing
This listing was put together from publicly available information and has not passed through our submission review process. If you represent Rochester Cathedral, you can claim and update the listing free of charge, and once reviewed we will mark the submission as reviewed.
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