The Trust has opened its historic Bridge Chapel and Chamber for the summer open season. The buildings on Rochester Esplanade will open to the public from 11am to 4pm every Saturday and first Wednesday of each month from 3 June to 29 August.
Visitors will have the chance to explore the historic home of a medieval charity and see an early painting by Dame Tracey Emin.
Emin’s early painting The Crown Looking onto Rochester Bridge (1986) will be on display in the chapel. This is the first time the painting has ever been exhibited. Emin completed the work while studying in Medway.
In addition, the Trust has announced the latest lectures in its popular annual programme, starting on 11 June with a lecture by artist and academic Professor Liz Rideal on the connections between bridges and art through history.
Andrew Byrne, Vice Chair of Chatham Historic Dockyard, will then deliver a talk on the role of leading engineer John Rennie in the rebuilding of Sheerness Dockyard on 16 July.
Sue Threader, The Rochester Bridge Trust’s Bridge Clerk (Chief Executive), will deliver a talk on Bridge Chapels on 30 July. Bridge Chapels were once a common feature of bridges in Britain, offering a place for travellers and pilgrims to pray for a safe journey. Few survive today.
The Rochester Bridge Trust’s Bridge Chapel was built in 1393. Adjoining it is the Bridge Chamber, which was built in the 19th century as a formal meeting place for the Wardens and Assistants – the group of representatives from the community which directs the maintenance of Rochester Bridge. Both were sensitively restored in 1937 by the famous architect Sir Herbert Baker.
The Bridge Chapel and Chamber is located at 5 Esplanade in Rochester. Entry to the Bridge Chapel and Chamber during the open days is free, with no booking required.
The lecture series is also free, but booking a place is required. Places can be booked on Eventbrite.
The venue has step-free access and an accessible toilet.
More information about the opening of the Bridge Chapel and Chamber can be found on the Forthcoming Events page.