Hamo de Hythe Door, Rochester Cathedral
The Hamo de Hythe door at Rochester Cathedral is a remarkable piece of art and history dating back to 1340.
The elaborate doorway, leading from the South Quire Transept toward the Chapter House, was commissioned by Bishop Hamo de Hythe.
Described as one of the finest examples of English Decorated sculpture in existence, the door is a remarkable feature within the cathedral - the second oldest in England.
The many elements of the doorway are designed to be read as one entire scene.
At the very top, Bishop Hamo himself is depicted as a small naked soul surrounded by clouds and rising to heaven.
Either side of Hamo are pairs of singing angels atop clouds, holding scrolls representing the Word of God.
Continuing down, either side are the four great Doctors of the Church, each sat at writing desks: Saints Augustine, Pope Gregory I, Jerome and Ambrose.
Augustine of Hippo was a late 4th/early 5th century theologian and philosopher, the bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia, Roman North Africa.
His writings influenced the development of Western philosophy and Western Christianity.
The small caricature heads surrounding the doorway from purgatory up to heaven depict monks and kings, poor men and rich.
Those nearest the bottom, and to purgatory, are shown suffering and in agony, whilst the figures closer to the top show joy and happiness.
Its message is that regardless of wealth or prosperity, all must renounce their mortal sin to enter the kingdom of heaven.
The small pedestals at the top of the doorway would have probably held statuettes.
Although evidence of the painted decoration is almost entirely absent, there can be little doubt that the doorway was intended to be painted.
Taking cues from the figurative sculpture reveals a varied figural ensemble within flowing green acanthus and vine leaves.
Medieval masons
Medieval masons were the skilled craftsmen responsible for the construction of some of the most awe-inspiring architectural marvels of the Middle Ages.
Tasked with shaping stone into intricate designs and solid structures, these artisans played a crucial role in the development of Gothic cathedrals in England.
Medieval masons were highly skilled craftsmen who underwent years of apprenticeship to master their trade.
They possessed a deep understanding of geometry, engineering principles, and the properties of stone.
With chisels, hammers, and other basic tools, they transformed raw blocks of stone into meticulously crafted works of art.
Medieval masons made significant contributions to the architectural landscape of Europe.
They were instrumental in the development of Gothic architecture, characterized by soaring vaulted ceilings, pointed arches, and intricate tracery.
Cathedrals like Notre Dame in Paris, Chartres Cathedral in France, and Salisbury Cathedral in England stand as enduring testaments to their ingenuity and skill.
Medieval masons were organised into guilds, which served as both professional associations and social networks.
Young apprentices would enter into formal contracts with master masons, pledging several years of service in exchange for training and education.
As they progressed through their apprenticeship, they would learn the techniques and secrets of the trade, eventually becoming master craftsmen in their own right.
The ancient doorway at Rochester Cathedral, crafted by masons, leads to the Chapter Library.
The library is a comparatively small one of some 6,000 volumes, of which about 300 are pre-1701 and the titles of the volumes mirror the tastes and interests of the Dean and Chapter through 350 years.
The first catalogue of the Library was compiled about 1130 and is contained in the famous 12th century manuscript, Textus Roffensis.
It is the oldest catalogue known to exist of a considerable list of books in an English Library.
At the dissolution of the Priory in 1540 the Library was badly plundered and a large number of valuable manuscripts were stolen or sold.
Many subsequently found their way to the Royal Library of Henry VIll and, of these, 99 manuscripts are now in the Royal Collection in the British Museum.
The most serious loss was the Gundulf Bible which reappeared in Amsterdam in the 18th century and is now in the Huntingdon Library at San Marino, California.
The Gundulf Bible, a manuscript of the 11th century, had been given by Bishop Gundulf to the Priory during his episcopate. It is in two volumes, beautifully written in double columns.
Ironically, on the first leaf of each volume any person who removes the book from the Priory is threatened with excommunication.
Rochester Cathedral itself is a lovely place to explore - it’s England's second oldest cathedral, founded by Bishop Justus.
The present building dates back to the work of the French monk Bishop Gundulf in 1083.
The glorious Norman architecture of the nave, parts of the crypt, as well as one of the finest Romanesque facades in England.
The Cathedral became a major place of pilgrimage in the 13th Century, following the death of William of Perth, a Scottish baker who was murdered nearby.
His body was brought to the Cathedral and at his shrine, of which no trace remains, miracles were reported.
Modern pilgrims who journey to the Cathedral still climb the Pilgrim Steps, now worn by the many thousands of medieval pilgrims visiting the shrine, often lighting candles at the William of Perth prayer-station in front of the oratory.
Visitors who journey to the Cathedral today are direct descendants of those early pilgrims.
Someone who recently visited the cathedral said: “Highlight of visiting Rochester. Beautiful Cathedral with a spectacular exhibit (stitched panel artwork called Threads through Creation).
”Thoroughly enjoyed the unexpected pause for prayer in the midst of our walkthrough - such a welcome tasteful moment of rest guided by the chaplain).”
If you’d like to visit, the address is: Garth House, The Precinct, Rochester ME1 1SX.
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