One of the earliest publications to feature Rochester Cathedral, Monasticon Anglicanum was published by Sir William Dugdale around the time of the English Civil War when it was feared churches and cathedral would suffer major damage.

The Monasticon contains the earliest recognisable images of the Cathedral, by 17th-century illustrator Daniel King (c.1616-1661). The first shows the north side. Whilst its errors include diminutive western facade towers and too many windows along the north nave aisle, it shows the C14th door into the north nave aisle in use, soonafter ceasing as a means of access and filled, though still visible externally and in outline inside.

Engraving published 1656, London for "The Cathedrall and Conventuall Churches of England and Wales" by Daniel King. Illustrated and Ethched by Hollar, King and others (rareoldprints.com)

Although King’s etching of the west facade has been criticised for further innacuracies, it is one of the few images to clearly show the reused fragments in the spandrels of the great west window, even if only vaguely.

West facade of Rochester Cathedral. Engraving published 1656, London for "The Cathedrall and Conventuall Churches of England and Wales" by Daniel King. Illustrated and Ethched by Hollar, King and others.

Another early view, again from the west although showing part of the north-west elevation, is notable for predating the demolition of the north tower in the mid-eighteenth century.

ANno Dom. 600. King Ethelbert founded the Church of St. Andrew the [ 27] Apostle at Rochester, and gave to it several Lands, as did also Eadbert King of Kent, Offa King of Mercia, and divers others; denouncing to the Vi∣olators of their pious Donations, heavy Curses and Imprecations. All which Lands and Liberries King Henry the I. did confirm to the said Church, to Gundulf the Bishop there, and the Monks serving God in it. [ 29] Other principal Benefactors to this Church, and the Monks here, were King William the Conqueror, King William Rufus, Rodbert Son of King Henry, Robert Fitz Hamon, and William de Albeiney the King's Butler. Vid Vol. 2. p. 844. Vol. 3. p. 1.