Textus 900 celebrations 2023 to 2024
A series of exhibitions and events are set to mark 900 years since the compilation of the most exceptional treasure at Rochester Cathedral.
The cartulary and records section of Textus includes a catalogue compiled circa 1123 of 93 volumes in the Priory Library, the oldest catalogue known to exist of a considerable number of books from an English library. Another list compiled at the turn of the thirteenth century records 280 titles, indicating a growing and thriving monastic community between these times. As part of the celebrations five exceptional manuscripts from the British Library will be exhibited at the Cathedral to explore the life and works of the Cathedral Priory of Saint Andrew.
Over the summer of 2024, the Cathedral Nave will feature Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon inspired by illuminated artwork found within the pages of Textus Roffensis.
Beauty and the Beasts
July to October 2023
The first loans from the British Library are to feature in the Beauty and the Beasts exhibition in the Cathedral Crypt opening early June 2023. Three richly decorated manuscripts each with stories to tell about the history of the Priory.
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Draco Roffensis
June 1st to September 21st
Draco Roffensis has been designed by celebrated artist Wendy Daws. Made of gold, silver and copper foil sewn onto wire panels, it will be suspended above the Nave allowing services and events to continue underneath.
Acknowledgements
Textus Roffensis has been in the care of the Chapter of Rochester Cathedral from its formation in 1543 after the dissolution of the Priory of Saint Andrew. Its continued care costs over £15,000 each year. For many years over the twentieth century Textus was in the care of Medway Archives (DRc/R1). The Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions Project from 2012 to 2016, with various sponsors including the Heritage Lottery Fund, commissioned a bespoke exhibition area in the refurbished Cathedral Crypt. The digital facsimile of Textus was produced by the University of Manchester in 2013. Handling copies were produced for the Chapter Library, also refurbished during this project.
Dr Christopher Monk is a cultural historian and manuscript specialist working with heritage professionals and also individuals and teams in the creative industries. His focus is the interpretation of medieval texts and medieval visual media for public audiences. He has worked with Rochester Cathedral since 2013, contributing to its multimedia content on Textus Roffensis, including the transcribing and translation of the laws, charters and other records in the 'Rochester Book'. Christopher continues to publish within academia where he is known for his interdisciplinary studies of medieval texts and manuscript artwork in leading journals, edited collections, and an ebook.
Dr Alexander Thomas is an independent historical and archaeological researcher of the Early Medieval period. He holds a PhD in archaeology and anthropology from Bristol University. Alexander's research interests focus on the landscapes and texts of Viking Age governance, especially within England. He is currently writing his first book for Amsterdam University Press, which will reappraise the historical and archaeological evidence for the Danelaw. The book is due to be published in early-2025.
Jacob Scott is the Heritage Officer at Rochester Cathedral, working under Dr Christopher Monk’s supervision since 2017 to transcribe, translate and improve digital accessibility to Textus. Jacob is also responsible for the care and curation of Textus, producing exhibitions and interpretation elements for the bespoke exhibition area in the Cathedral Crypt.
Interpretation and studies of particular texts are available from Beverley Dee Jacobs, Randolph Jones, Revd. Lindsay Llewellyn and Joseph Miller.
We are also indebted to generations of previous researches, not least Colin Flight’s previous transcription and study of the codicology of Textus Roffensis available online at durobrivis.net
Find out more about the manuscript known today as Textus Roffensis (‘the Rochester book’), without question one of the most important of all medieval manuscripts.
Explore the history and archaeology of the Priory of Saint Andrew and find out more about the gardens and green heritage at Rochester Cathedral.
The Cathedral hosts several large exhibitions and smaller installations each year from education to art and everything in between.