The cathedrals at Rochester and Canterbury, founded in the early 7th century, are the two oldest ecclesiastical buildings with a continuous history in Britain, but Rochester cathedral is comparatively unknown, and research on its history limited. This book is the first authoritative study of the cathedral, covering its history, architecture and worship, and its archives and library more briefly; importantly, it sets Rochester in the wider context of the development of cathedrals in Britain and their significant role in the history of British Christianity. Contributors: MARTIN BRETT, ANNE OAKLEY, CHARLES KNIGHTON, PATRICK MUSSETT, PAUL A. WELSBY, NIGEL YATES, PHILIP McALEER, DIANA HOLBROOK. The late NIGEL YATES was a consultant on historical and other matters to Kent County Council, the Museum of Kent Life, the Dioceses of Canterbury and Rochester and several other national and local bodies.