Rochester Cathedral, Norman cathedral in Rochester, England.
Rochester Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral in Rochester, Medway, that stands on raised ground above the town. The building shows a central crossing tower that rises above the surrounding masonry, along with two smaller western towers that flank the main facade with its decorated stone arches and columns.
Bishop Justus founded one of England's first dioceses here in 604, ranking second only after Canterbury. The Norman architect Gundulf began rebuilding the present stone structure in the late 11th century, raising it on the foundations of the earlier Saxon church.
This building remains the second oldest bishopric in England and still hosts regular Anglican services that follow centuries of continuous tradition. Members of the local community gather here for worship, and the walls carry the names and memorials of those who served the church over many generations.
The cathedral opens its doors daily, and admission includes access to the main rooms as well as the crypt below ground level. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the stone floors can be uneven and some areas are reached by stairs.
The crypt preserves medieval wall paintings that once lay hidden beneath layers of plaster and were uncovered only in the 20th century. It also holds the tomb of William of Perth, a Scottish pilgrim whose murder in 1201 near the town led to local veneration.
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