Expires 31/12/2027
The Gundulf Society is a small society for individual benefactors of Rochester Cathedral. Its namesake, Bishop Gundulf, presided over the impressive building of the Norman Cathedral in Rochester and was the first bishop of Rochester after the Conquest in 1078. He served three kings and is regarded as the "father of the Corps of Royal Engineers", responsible for a number of castles in England, not least the White Tower of London.
The Gundulf Society’s objective is to support the fabric and musical traditions of Rochester Cathedral by bringing together people who are interested in preservation and conservation. Members gain an intimate knowledge of the Cathedral and a personal relationship with the Dean and other senior management and clergy. At the same time, the Society seeks to provide a feeling of affinity between its members by organising various events. The Society aims to ensure that members are invited to at least 2-3 Cathedral events each year and in addition, an annual exclusive Gundulf Society event in London or Kent. The ambition of each event is to give members an opportunity to learn something new, while being entertained at the same time.
The Society remains part of Rochester Cathedral Trust, the charitable arm of Rochester Cathedral, and is currently chaired by the Trustee, Lars Lemonius.
The current Gundulf Society ‘individual/joint’ subscription is £500 pa, which can be terminated by a member at any time. Membership is held by an individual but is automatically extended to spouse, partner or any other person of the member’s choosing. This person benefits from the member’s membership free of charge. A number of members are granted life memberships. The Society aims to use a total of £50 of the £500 annual subscription to organise events and pay for costs directly attributable to members of the Society. The remaining £450 is considered a grant to the Cathedral Trust and can attract gift-aid.
