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Monument details

HER Number:TQ 76 NW 310
Type of record:Monument
Name:Gundulf's Tower, Rochester

Summary

The tower standing close to the north choir aisle has been attributed to Bishop Gundulf, builder of the first Romanesque cathedral church begun c.1080 but is probably nearer to 1100 in date.

It has been suggested that the tower dates to the mid-twelfth century and was erected as a bell tower. On the basis of a re-examination of the evidence it is suggested that an early post-Conquest and pre-Gundulf date is more likely, and that it was probably erected as a strong tower for defensive purposes


Grid Reference:TQ 74298 68528
Map Sheet:TQ76NW
Parish:ROCHESTER & CHATHAM, MEDWAY, KENT

Monument Types

  • TOWER (Medieval - 1100 AD? to 1100 AD)

Full description

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The tower is square in plan with broad shallow buttresses clasping each angle. It is built of coursed ragstone rubble with tufa used for the quoins of the buttresses. There are two set-backs in the external faces. Two windows remain on the north face at different levels. The lower window, now blocked, is possibly of 15th century date. The upper window with a semi-circular arch is likely to be in its original form. Two massive projecting buttresses have been added possibly in the 13th century. A barrel-vaulted passage in the west wall at original first floor level may have been the original entrance. There are now two ground floor entrances neither of which is original. Only the north face of the tower and parts of the west and east sides are fully and easily visible. The interior is used as the choir robing room and not readily accessible.


Importance
15
In terms of the evolution of the castle and the 'strong tower' in Kent, and indeed nationally, the so-called Gundulf's Tower has especial significance.

Historic importance - B

Extent of structural survival - B


Condition
16
The tower was conserved in 1925 when the internal brick lining was removed and a photographic record was made of the original masonry and this record is now in the Guildhall Museum, Rochester. The masonry appears to be in a reasonable condition.

Condition of surviving structure B


Ownership (or tenancy)
17
Dean and Chapter of Rochester Cathedral

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Use(s) of the site
18
Interior used as a robing room for the choir.


Statutory protection
19
Listed grade 1 as part of the cathedral.

Conservation Area - Rochester City Centre


Nature conservation interests
20
None


Public access to the site
21
No ready access to the interior but the northern face can be seen externally.


Relationship to other sites
22
Comparison may be made with St Leonard's Tower, West Malling.


Potential as part of an economic regeneration package
23
None


Interpretational potential as an educational resource
24
An important structure for the appreciation and evaluation of the very early post-Conquest period and amongst the first defensible towers to be equated with St. Leonard's Tower, West Malling.


Tourism potential
25
*
Intrinsically limited but may be seen as part of the complex of buildings associated with Rochester Cathedral.


Potential for other beneficial reuse
26
None


<1> Victor Smith and Andrew Saunders, 2001, Kent's Defence Heritage (Unpublished document). SKE6956.

Sources and further reading

Cross-ref. Source description
<1>Unpublished document: Victor Smith and Andrew Saunders. 2001. Kent's Defence Heritage.

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