Virtual Tour of Rochester Cathedral
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The Crypt - more info
From the foot of the Kent Steps, descend another flight into the crypt. The western bays of the crypt, distinguished by plain arches, are the surviving part of Gundulf’s work unadorned by others. They are underneath his original presbytery.
To the east, the Early English crypt (1180–1260) stretches away to a separate chapel (pictured above) dedicated now to Ithamar, the Saxon bishop. It was at one time a chapel for the Theological College which inhabited the Old Deanery from 1959–1970. It is now used for midweek communion services, a monthly late evening service Taizé-style, and private prayer. Here too, modern schoolchildren experience something of medieval monastic life. Some of the best remnants of medieval painting are to be found under the north-eastern arches. Outside Ithamar’s chapel are some even older drawings – Christ at Emmaus? Or some of the early Saxon saints?
The picture above shows part of the crypt known as the Ithamar chapel. A number of chapels used to be here, enabling monks and priests to celebrate Mass daily. Also used at times for city storage, it is now used for worship, socialising, exhibitions and education. Ongoing restoration since the 1980s is thanks to the Friends and the Cathedral Trust.
