Rochester Cathedral & Ightham Mote – September 2022
Rochester Cathedral & Ightham Mote – September 2022
Departing from APMH at 9.00am we start our visit of Rochester with tea/coffee refreshment before our guided tour of the Cathedral, which is England’s second oldest, having been founded in AD604. The present building dates back to 1083 and it also has some fine examples of later Gothic styles as well as the magnificent 14th century Chapter Library door.
The Cathedral became a major place of pilgrimage in the 13th century and modern pilgrims who journey to the Cathedral still climb the Pilgrim Steps, now worn by the many thousands of medieval pilgrims visiting the shrine.
Following a sandwich lunch there will be time to revisit the Cathedral or take a short walk around this delightful town then on to Ightham Mote.
Discover how the Mote was saved from demolition by local businessmen and how they may have been responsible for Ightham Mote being recognised as a building of exceptional interest. Their temporary ownership allowed time for the house to receive government protection and to look for a new owner who turned out to be an American, Charles Henry Robinson. This was in 1953 and in 1965 he bequeathed the house and contents to the National Trust. Robinson died in 1985, aged 93. Robinson’s generosity has enabled the Trust to share his appreciation of the house with many others, and to continue to care for it for generations to come.
Hopefully there will be time for the purchase of a cup of tea and some cake before we leave at approx. 16.15/16.30
Summary Programme:
Depart APMH 09.00 with tea/coffee on arrival in Rochester, followed by guided tour of the Cathedral
Sandwich lunch and free time in Rochester leaving Rochester at 14.00 and travel to Ightham Mote
Depart Ightham Mote 16.15/16.30
Cost: £40 for NT members showing membership cards. Non-members to pay additional Ightham entrance fee on arrival
