TimeRef - History Timelines - Rochester Cathedral

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» Home » Places » Rochester Cathedral - [Cathedral] (TQ 7430 6850)

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Rochester was founded in around 604 by Ethelbert, King of Kent. After the Norman Conquest Gundulf, the first Norman, was chosen as Bishop. Gundulf of Bec was the chief castle builder for William the Conqueror and was responsible for the construction of the Tower of London. Gundulf rebuilt the Cathedral, improved the surrounding monastic buildings and replaced the secular canons with monks of the Benedictine Order. The nave and the restored west front are mainly twelfth century. In 1201 a pilgrim was murdered outside the cathedral and was raised to a Saint and known St. William of Perth. Pilgrims flocked to the cathedral and the increased income provided money to rebuild many parts including the presbytery, transepts and choir.

Mini Timeline

Year	Month	Details
1077		Gundulf consecrated as Bishop of Rochester
		Gundulf became Bishop of Rochester, remaining there for thirty years and where he is buried.
		Rochester Cathedral building begins
		Work on Rochester Cathedral began. (More Information to follow)
1100	Jul 13	Abbey Church at Gloucester dedicated
		The abbey church at Gloucester built by Abbot Serlo was dedicated by Samson the Bishop of Worcester, Gundulph the Bishop of Rochester and Harvey Bishop of Bangor.
1115 - 1130		Nave of Rochester Cathedral
		Construction of Rochester Cathedral's name commenced in 1115 and finished around 1130.¹
1130		Fire at Rochester
		On the same day that Henry I attended the consecration of Rochester Cathedral, a fire took hold in the city and damaged the newly finished building.
1150		Rochester Cathedral West Front
		Work on the West front of Rochester Cathedral began in 1150.¹
1179		Rochester fire
		In 1177 or 1179 another fire took hold in the city of Rochester damaging the Cathedral.
1200 - 1227		Rochester Cathedral Presbytery and Choir
		Building work on eastern area of the Cathedral began in around 1200 and continued until 1227.¹
1240 - 1255		North Transept of Rochester Cathedral
		Work on the north transept between 1240 and 1255.¹
1280		South Transept at Rochester
		Work on the South Transept and nave commenced in 1280.¹