Restoration of the Cloister Gate

August 12, 2022

This Grade 1 gateway gave access through the west range of the cloisters, standing opposite what was once the Bishop’s Palace.

The lower portions of stonework date from the 12th century. The archway once featured a Reigate stone fine billet moulding, now sadly weathered beyond recognition. The crenellations (the castle-like battlement portions at the top) are 15th century. They featuring reasonably well-preserved flint galleting characteristic of work from the period. The timber gate was inserted by the Friends of Rochester Cathedral during their restoration of the Cloister Garth in the 1930s.

3D model of the Cloister Gate in 2017. Note some upside portions of the model are missing as photography was ground-based.

The 15th-century crenellations have seen repairs carried out over the past hundred years, evident by the use of concrete. They were again in a perilous condition in 2017 when they were taken down, the pieces numbered and stowed for reuse.

Photos from the deconstruction of the crenellations in 2017, conducted by Graham Peachey.

3D model of the gate in 2021 a few years after the removal of the crenellations. Photography by Aerial Imaging South East.

The conservation was carried out over the summer of 2021 by Sally Strachey Historic Conservation Ltd. The work involved new capstones and rebuilding the crenellations reusing as much of the material removed from their demolition as was practical.