Rochester Cathedral is England’s second oldest, founded by Bishop Justus.  The present building dates to the work of the French monk, Bishop Gundulf in 1083.  It has the finest Romanesque facades in England, as well as the Norman architecture of the nave and parts of the crypt.  The Cathedral has some fine examples of later Gothic styles as well as the magnificent 14^th c. Chapter Library door.  The Cathedral became a major place of pilgrimage in the 13c.

The Cathedral collections comprise  thousands of features and artefacts from the 8^th to the 21^stc, including the medieval manuscript known as the Textus Roffensis,  the only existing copy of the first code of English Law, written in the early 1120s – one of the most important documents in English history which influenced the wording of  the Magna Carta in 1215.

The Cathedral Gardens have been occupied since the 7^th c., and today are the ‘green lung’ in the heart of Rochester. And Afterwards:  enjoy a coffee or light lunch in the beautiful Café in the Crypt. The Cathedral closes at 4.00pm and last orders in the Café are at 3.45pm

Travel by train (book your own ticket) from Victoria Station. Journey time 45mins –  the Cathedral is five minutes’ walk from the station. Train departure:  10.10am     There are return trains at  05, 23 and 38 mis past the hour

**Meet at 10.00am at the barrier for the 10.10am train  to Rochester (usually around platform 1-5)

Accompanied by Mary Aird.  If you plan to join this visit, and plan to take the train time suggested,  please email Mary  on emilycinders@btinternet.com Train ticket price: approximately £20 depending on what discount cards you have

** The train times will  be reconfirmed nearer the time as timetables may change.  These will be posted on the website and on a Noticeboard.’ 

You may want to catch a later train and, after the Cathedral, visit more of Rochester (please advise Mary on the day)

Rochester Castle: with the tallest Norman Keep in the country.  Closes 6.00pm (last admission 5.15pm).  Free admission to English Heritage members, or Concession £5.60

The Guildhall Museum:  built in 1687, tells the story of Rochester and of Chales Dikens who lived in Gad’s Hill and set many of his stories around Rochester. Closes 5.00pm.  Free admission.

Museum of Huguenot History: the only one in Britain. Concessions £4.50, Art Pass 50% discount.

Further information: www. visitmedway.org