Rochester Crypt

The oldest part of the crypt is the two westernmost bays under the eastern end of the quire. It is part of the original 1080s Lanfranc construction with typical Romanesque groin vaulting springing from plain capitals atop quite slender plain shafts. The rest of the crypt is from a century later. The plinths, shafts and capitals are in the same style as the earlier work, but quadripartite rib vaulting was used. Owing to the oblong shape of the bays, the shorter transverse arches are pointed; however, since the other ribs are rounded, the overall appearance is Romanesque. In places remnants of the mediaeval paintwork are visible in the vaulting. More medieval paintwork is visible in the east end window openings.
The eastern part of the crypt under the presbytery has been converted into a chapel dedicated to St Ithamar. Except when used for the Sunday Club (for young people) during Sunday Eucharist, it is reserved as a place of quiet and stillness for private prayer and reflection.
It’s one of the biggest archaeological projects ever seen in Rochester. Work to develop the cathedral crypt has unearthed more than was ever expected.
Finds have included a skeleton which is missing the top of its skull, a Roman building, a gargoyle and a Norman structure.
Despite a radar survey of the site, nothing was revealed on the scans so all the discoveries have been a surprise.

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