Rochester Cathedral is to commemorate two early medieval saints whose shrines were lost for nearly 500 years. St Paulinus and St Ithamar were Bishops of Rochester in the 7th century, nearly 1400 years ago. On the 24th September the new shrine markers will be dedicated. They have been installed in front of the High Altar.

Who were St Paulinus and St Ithamar?

Paulinus and Ithamar are part of the earliest history of Rochester Cathedral, England’s second oldest founded in 604 AD.

Paulinus was a member of the Roman mission sent by Pope Gregory to bring Christianity to the English. He spent many years in Kent before being consecrated as a bishop in 625 and sent north to convert the Northumbrians. He later returned to south to Rochester where he remained until his death in 644. He was succeeded by Ithamar, the first English-born bishop. Ithamar died in 665 AD. Paulinus features on the 1904 Organ Screen with other significant figures from Rochester Cathedral’s past.

Pilgrimages in Medieval Rochester

Fragments believed to be from the original shrines

Medieval Rochester was a popular pilgrimage site with thousands of pilgrims coming to see the shrines of Ithamar, Paulinus and William of Perth; a later Rochester saint. The shrines of Ithamar and Paulinus were rebuilt in the mid-14th century but were destroyed following the Reformation. The base for the shrine was discovered during the retiling of the floor around the High Altar in the 19th century, and fragments now thought to have come from the 14th-century rebuilt shrines were discovered during excavations in the 1920s.The fragments indicate a large canopy structure under which an effigy of the saints would have laid. These fragments are now on display in the cathedral crypt exhibition.

The modern shrines

The idea to commemorate these two early Saints came from former Canon Precentor Matthew Rushton. His work was followed up by Dean of Rochester Philip Hesketh.

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

“This is a poignant moment as we remember two Saints whose shrines were destroyed at the Reformation and whose lives played a crucial part in the life of Rochester. For the first time in 500 years there will be a place in the Cathedral to remember them and their lives of service.”

Dedication Service

The shrines will be dedicated by the Bishop of Rochester at a special service on the 24th September. The Archbishop of York will preach during the service. It is especially fitting that they are involved in the service as they are the contemporary successors of Paulinus and Ithamar.

The service starts at 3.15pm and the public are invited to attend.