Friends of Rochester Cathedral
In 1935 the Friends of Rochester Cathedral was founded to help finance the maintenance of the fabric and grounds of Rochester Cathedral.
Over the intervening years its membership has grown, with many overseas members, but the Cathedral always needs Friends. Members do not need to be of the Christian faith or, indeed, of any religious faith, but simply share our concern for our beautiful heritage. We are stewards for our lifetime of an inheritance which we wish to be passed on for the benefit of future generations.
Why become a Friend of Rochester Cathedral?
Becoming a Friend of Rochester Cathedral is a great way of meeting new people and supporting Rochester Cathedral. There are regular events and chances to find out what’s happening at the Cathedral.
Join the Friends
If you’d like to join the Friends we’d love to hear from you.
You can get in touch here
You can also download a Membership Application Form
Friends of Rochester Cathedral Events
Throughout the year the Friends hold events to support Rochester Cathedral. Any upcoming events will be listed below.
News
The Friends of Rochester Cathedral are a friendly group that raise money for the repairs, we also enjoy social activities throughout the year. The Friends’ Annual Reports have also become an archive of life at the Cathedral for the past 100 years.
Projects
The Friends have helped to fund projects in and around the Cathedral varying from just a few pounds to six figure sums. During the last 50 years, the Friends have granted over £1,250,000 to the Dean and Chapter. A grant of £7,500 is made annually towards the upkeep of the Garth (Cloister gardens).
Find out how much the Friends have raised over the years below
Annual Reports
The Friends of Rochester Cathedral Annual Reports often include articles on the fabric and history of the Cathedral, past copies of these frequently being cited in research.
Funding
Funds are raised from gifts and legacies as well as membership subscriptions and social activities.
Legacies are a particularly valuable source of income as charities are outside Inheritance Tax levels and consequently a gift to a registered charity is exempt from Inheritance Tax and therefore assists in reducing such liability on a deceased person’s estate. Past generous legacies fund a considerable amount of the Friends’ resources and further legacies will enable the Friends to finance further projects.
If you would like to make a legacy, please call the Administrator on 01634 832142
Publications
The Friends offer printed copies of articles and guides. Some of these are now available on the Cathedral website.
The Muscle and the Rose: The Life and Times of Samuel Reynolds Hole, Dean of Rochester, 1887 – 1904 by Canon Dr Philip Hesketh.
Published 2013
Rochester Bells by John K. Best-Shaw and Dagmar Batterbee
Published 2008
Cathedral Curiosities: A guide to the unexpected in Rochester Cathedral
Published 2009
Cathedral Windows (8 page illustrated leaflet)
Published 2011
Heraldry in Rochester Cathedral (8 page illustrated leaflet)
Published 2012
The Friends of Rochester Cathedral is a registered charity, governed by a written constitution and administered by the Council of Friends who are elected annually on a rotating basis. Our Patron is HRH The Duchess of Kent, GCVO.
Registered Charity Number 273973
