On the afternoon of the 20th December, a small fire broke out at Rochester Cathedral. The Cathedral was evacuated and Kent Fire and Rescue Services quickly attended the scene. The fire was extinguished swiftly. Thankfully, there were no injuries.

Rochester Cathedral would like to extend its gratitude to Kent Fire and Rescue Services, Kent Police and the Cathedral staff for their rapid response.

The fire was caught in the early stages which has restricted the damage to a small area. The main Cathedral building is unaffected. However, there is damage to a section of the lead roof and elements of the heating system will need to be replaced. Rochester Cathedral will remain closed to visitors all day on the 22nd December to allow more time for the building to be ventilated and for specialist cleaning to take place.

Services will resume tomorrow morning (22nd) although the Cathedral will remain closed to visitors. The always popular Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will start at 7.30pm with doors opening at 6.45pm. Details of the Cathedral’s Advent and Christmas services can be found on the Cathedral’s website here.

The Very Rev'd Dr Philip Hesketh AKC DL says;

“I’m very relieved that nobody was injured, and that the situation was quickly brought under control.  Everyone was just amazing and I’m very grateful to those who responded with such professionalism. Deo Gratias!”

Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest Cathedral in England and was founded in 604 AD. The last major fires at Rochester Cathedral took place in 1137 and 1179 which caused significant damage and led to much of the Cathedral being rebuilt.

The repairs are expected to be costly. Rochester Cathedral receives no government funding and only limited funding from the Church of England. If anyone wishes to donate to the Cathedral they can do so here