It’s seen crazy golf, a knife angel and even the Earth but now it’s the turn of a spectacular 68ft dragon to take up residence at an historic place of worship.
Draco Roffensis, aka The Rochester Dragon, is celebratign 900 years since the creation of Textus Roffensis, the cathedral’s most significant contribution to medieval writing.
The eye-catching beast, which has been suspended above the nave at Rochester Cathedral ,has been designed and created by local artist Wendy Daws with 25,000 scales made of gold, silver and copper foil sewn onto wire panels.
Wendy was helped with the mammoth task by visitors and members of the community at her workshop in Sun Pier House, Chatham.
Quotes from Textus Roffensixs are inscribed on the underside of the wings.
Wendy said: “I am truly honoured to receive this commission to celebrate Draco Roffensis and delighted for the opportunity to create an artwork for Rochester Cathedral to mark this special occasion.
“I’m excited to work together with so many different communities, to help create the embossed foil scales, an integral part of the design that will bring the dragon sculpture alive!”
Alongside Draco Roffensis is a programme of events celebrating Textus Roffensis. These include live performances and lectures.
The programme will culminate with the premiere of a new light show by Luxmuralis inspired by manuscripts, illustrations and the culture from the Dark Ages through to the early Middle Ages.
The treasured item is one of the most important manuscripts of its time in England.
It was written in Rochester in the 1120s by monks at the Priory of St Andrews which now forms part of the neighbouring gardens.
Among its contents are the earliest English laws recorded, dating all the way back to the 7th century.
Previous attractions at the second oldest cathedral in England have been the Knife Angel, a powerful symbol against violence and aggression, and the Earth sculpture, a giant model of the planet which used Nasa imagery.
Meanwhile, a giant crazy golf course attracted visitors young and old alike.
In 2022 Textus Roffensis which contains pre-Conquest litigations written in Anglo Saxon, was added to the prestigious UNESCO Memory of the World UK Register.
‘Draco Roffensis: The Rochester Dragon’ is open until September 21.
More information can be found on Rochester Cathedral’s website here.
Admission is free and the artwork is viewable during Cathedral opening hours.
