In 2006, the Rochester Bridge Trust committed funding of £250,000 over a number of years to support restoration work to the historic fabric of Rochester Cathedral.
To date, two major projects have been completed. The first comprised stonework repairs and other restoration work to the Lady Chapel and South Transept. The Trust was particularly pleased to be able to make a major contribution of £92,000 to that project as the South Transept contains a fine wall memorial to Sir Richard Head, Bart., who was a Bridge Warden from 1679-87. The second project aided repairs to the walls and floor of the Nave in preparation for the installation of a permanent memorial to the Royal Engineers in 2010.
The Trust is now pleased to confirm that further contributions from the grant have now been allocated for projects which will begin in the coming months. A sum of £60,000 will be expended on urgent stabilisation and restoration of important medieval paintings and plasters in the Crypt; and a contribution of £40,000 will be made to essential repairs to the library roof.
Sue Threader, Bridge Clerk and Chief Executive to the Rochester Bridge Trust, said: “The relationship between Rochester Bridge and the Cathedral goes back many centuries to a time before the Norman Conquest, and the Trust is pleased to contribute to this latest programme of restoration work.”
The Trust is currently offering small grants for other projects to restore the historic fabric of heritage buildings. Potential applicants are encouraged to view the grant application guidelines to find out more.
Notes:
1. The Rochester Bridge Trust is a charitable trust that exists to maintain the old and new bridges at Rochester and serve the travelling public. It is the only surviving bridge trust still serving its original purpose, and it has served the people of Kent since 1399. The Trust also supports numerous community and education projects across historic Kent and Medway.
2. The Trust’s assets all derive from endowments of land and money in the 14th and 15th centuries and are carefully managed in order to provide an income to fund bridge maintenance and local charitable grants. The Trust receives no external funding and is regulated by the Charity Commission.
For more information:
The Rochester Bridge Trust
5 Esplanade
Rochester
Kent ME1 1QE
Tel: 01634 846706
Fax: 01634 840125