Artefact on focus: The Chapter Library Doorway
The Rochester Cathedral Library Doorway is a fascinating piece of architecture with a rich history.
The doorway was built in the late 14th century, around 1380, and is considered one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in England. It is situated on the south side of the cathedral, leading to the cathedral library, which is one of the oldest and largest collections of books in England.
The doorway itself is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, with intricate carvings and details that make it truly stunning.
At the very top, Bishop Hamo himself is depicted as a small naked soul surrounded by clouds and rising to heaven. Angels on clouds surround the bishop’s representation on either side.
Following the arch we can see Saints Augustine, Pope Gregory I, Jerome and Ambrose. The arch is decorated with a series of quatrefoils, which are small four-petal flowers arranged in a square pattern. The spandrels, or the spaces between the arch and the door frame, are decorated with a variety of caricature heads, including saints, angels, and other religious symbols. The caricature heads nearest the bottom, and to purgatory, are shown suffering and in agony, whilst the figures closer to the top show joy and happiness.
In addition to its stunning decoration, the Rochester Cathedral Library Doorway is also significant for its historical importance. The cathedral library itself has a long and storied history, dating back to the 7th century when a collection of books was first established by St. Augustine of Canterbury. Over the centuries, the collection grew and was housed in various locations until the current library was built in the 14th century. The library contains a wide range of books, including some of the earliest printed works in England.
