September sees the return of Heritage Open Days and with it comes the opportunity to visit two historic buildings in Rochester in their stripped-back form.
The medieval Bridge Chapel and Victorian Bridge Chamber will have all exhibition items removed to enable visitors to wander around them as they are used for regular activity – with all their historic splendour on display.
The Rochester Bridge Trust’s Archives Manager Alison Cable said: “Instead of visiting to see an exhibition, Heritage Open Days are an opportunity for visitors to explore the buildings in their historic simplicity, taking in the permanent displays of art and fine furniture that is used when the Court of Wardens and Assistants meet.
“Few bridge chapels survive, and this is a rare opportunity to see inside Rochester’s, and to learn something of its history, its architectural features, and stained glass windows. The Bridge Chapel contains a bespoke Robert ‘Mouseman’ Thompson table with matching chairs, designed especially for the Trust in 1937.”
The Bridge Chapel was built in 1393 by Sir John de Cobham one of the founders of the Rochester Bridge Trust. It was found to be derelict at the start of the 20th century and was totally refurbished in 1937 by Sir Herbert Baker.
The Bridge Chamber was formerly the administrative office of the Rochester Bridge Trust and is still used for meetings and events. It was built in 1879, to replace an older building on the same site, under the watchful eye of Kent architect, Martin Bulmer.
The fully-accessible buildings, which have for centuries been at the heart of the Rochester Bridge Trust, will reopen on Saturday and Sunday, 13-14 and 20-21 September, from 11am until 4pm.
Entry is free of charge and there is no need to book. For details see: https://rbt.org.uk/events-resources/forthcoming-events/