Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions wins HLF support

Rochester Cathedral’s “Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions” project wins Heritage Lottery Fund support

It was announced today that Rochester Cathedral has received initial support* from the Heritage Lottery Funding (HLF) for the ‘Hidden Treasures, Fresh Expressions’ project. The award of £158,000 will enable the Cathedral to progress their plans to apply for a full grant in 2012.

The project will use the cathedral’s currently inaccessible and nationally significant archives as a catalyst for the development of exhibitions and workshops in the crypt and library. These architecturally and impressive spaces will be sympathetically opened up to allow access for all. The Textus Roffensis, older and considered by some to be a more significant document than the Magna Carta, is currently locked away for safety in the archives of Medway Council. The project will make the Textus the jewel in the crown of an imaginative and dynamic treasury.

Rochester Cathedral believes in the ability of people to bring the cathedral’s history alive through inventive activities and inspiring events. We are passionate about working in partnership, connection with and working alongside individuals and communities. Through a specifically devised programme we hope not only to preserve the cathedral’s heritage but encourage people to discover and explore the wonders of this unique building and its relevance for today.

Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the South East, said:

“The Heritage Lottery Fund is pleased to be able to support these exciting plans to revive Rochester Cathedral and help bring the cathedral’s vision a step closer to reality. Rochester Cathedral is a heritage treasure, and this ‘green light’ means that these proposals can now be further developed to ensure that it is preserved for future generations to explore and enjoy.”

Rochester Cathedral is the second oldest cathedral in the country with a magnificent late Norman nave. Standing in the shadow of Rochester castle on the banks of the River Medway the cathedral is a truly inspirational place with numerous hidden treasures. It has been a centre for Christian prayer for over 1400 years.

Philip Hesketh, the Acting Dean, said ‘this is simply fantastic news, a once in a lifetime opportunity to bring the Textus Roffensis home and reveal more of the Cathedral’s hidden treasures’.

*A first-round pass means the project meets HLF criteria for funding and HLF believes the project has potential to deliver high-quality benefits and value for Lottery money. The application was in competition with other supportable projects, so a first-round pass is an endorsement of outline proposals. Having been awarded a first-round pass, the project now has up to two years to submit fully developed proposals to compete for a firm award.