Duchess of Edinburgh visits Rochester Cathedral Garden Open Day

 Rochester Cathedral was honoured to welcome HRH, the Duchess of Edinburgh, on the 13th June. Her Royal Highness was visiting the secret gardens behind the Cathedral which were opened to the public for one day this year.

 The Duchess of Edinburgh, is a Patron of the Rochester Cathedral Trust and has visited the Cathedral on several occasions in the past.

During her tour of the stunning gardens she met volunteers and community groups who have been working hard in the gardens. The gardens are full of diverse areas including beehives and vineyards. She also viewed the beautiful rose gardens inspired by the Victorian Dean of Rochester Samuel Reynolds Hole who was renowned for his work with roses. The Duchess also viewed a recently created statue of Dean Hole and a number of artifacts relating to this great man.

The Cathedral Gardens and Orchard were once part of the old Priory of St Andrews. The hope is to use the gardens for projects for mental health, well-being, prayer and spiritual growth. It is also hoped that there will be more chances for the public to visit more in the future.

 Tickets for the Garden Open Day in 2025 sold out in just days with hundreds getting the chance to visit the beautiful space. The Garden Open Day is expected to return in 2026.