Floatplane inside Rochester Cathedral – Wish you were here

A second world war plane suspended in the nave, Mars, Peace Doves, an Escape Room, an exhibition celebrating water, and the retelling of the Bible in 25million stitches – all our cathedrals have exciting programmes of events for everyone this summer and all are underpinned by the daily rhythm of prayer and worship.

#WishYouWereHere – Summer in our Cathedrals – what will you discover?

Rochester Cathedral gets ready to land a floatplane this summer!

How do you fit a plane in a medieval Cathedral? That’s the challenge Rochester Bridge Trust took on when they proposed displaying a recently restored Short Scion Floatplane inside Rochester Cathedral.

The newly restored Short Scion Floatplane G-AEZF has been rebuilt by Medway Aircraft Preservation Society Limited (MAPSL).

Constructed in 1937 in the Short Brothers factory that was once located on Rochester Esplanade, a short walk from the Cathedral, the plane saw service in the Second World War before becoming a civilian aircraft.

After years of disuse, it had deteriorated significantly. Thanks to a grant from Rochester Bridge Trust, volunteers from MAPSL have painstakingly restored it.

Robin Heaps, MAPSL Project Leader, said:

“After many years of work on this complex project we are all looking forward to seeing the Short Scion Floatplane on display inside Rochester Cathedral. We are grateful to the Rochester Bridge Trust for its generous grant and for making it as easy as possible for residents to experience for themselves this important part of Medway’s heritage.”

Alongside the Floatplane will be a series of fun and educational activities for the whole family. These will run free of charge throughout the exhibition.

Nicola Parks, Director of Charitable Projects at the Rochester Bridge Trust, said:

“It gives us great pleasure to be able to display this piece of local aviation history in a stunning venue that’s easily accessed by the whole community.

“Alongside the floatplane there will be a range of educational activities to ensure there is something to appeal to all ages. This event will be completely free of charge during the day with the aim of celebrating engineering history while also inspiring the next generation of engineers.”

An accompanying exhibition, Pioneers of Flight: Made in Medway will run alongside the activities.

Curated by Allison Young, it will explore Medway’s pivotal role in aviation history and the lasting impact of the Short Brothers. Featuring a rich collection of artefacts and archival materials, the exhibition includes contributions from many local partners.

The Dean of Rochester, Philip Hesketh said,

“It is a joy to be working with the amazing Rochester Bridge Trust once again. This is a fantastic exhibition and provides free activities throughout the summer in a stunning setting.”

The Short Scion Floatplane will open to the public from August 1 – 31. Admission during the day will be free although charges may apply for additional activities and evening events.

The Cathedral would like to thank the Rochester Bridge Trust for their support of this exhibition.