Rochester Theological College Explained

Rochester Theological College (1959 - 1970) was an Anglican theological college for the Diocese of Rochester in Kent, England. It focused on the provision of theological education for mature non-graduates.^[1]

History

The college was founded by the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Rev Christopher Chavasse. The college closed in 1970, by which point 182 men had been trained for ordination.^[2]

From 1960 the college occupied the former Deanery.^[3] After closure in 1970 it became the sixth form centre for the King's School, Rochester.

The college's archives are held at the Medway Archives Centre.^[4]

Wardens

• Robert Stannard, 1959-60 (as Dean of Rochester).^[5]
• Stuart Blanch, 1960–66,^[6] later Bishop of Liverpool and Archbishop of York
• Stanley Allen, 1966-70^[7]

Notable alumni

• Ted Francis, Archdeacon of Bromley 1979–94.^[8]

Notes and References

1. Web site: Church Times: "Rochester College's First Five Years", 29 May 1964, p 11. 28 April 2021.
2. Web site: Church Times: "Rochester College closes its doors", 3 July 1970, p 2. 28 April 2021.
3. Web site: Church Times: "Rochester's New Deanery Blessed", 19 August 1960, p 10. 28 April 2021.
4. Web site: National Archives: Rochester Theological College. 28 April 2021.
5. Web site: Church Times: "Rochester College closes its doors", 3 July 1970, p 2. 28 April 2021.
6. Web site: Church Times: "New Principals for Ely and Rochester", 1 April 1960, p 24. 28 April 2021.
7. Crockford's Clerical Directory, 1973-74, 85th Edition, p 15.
8. Web site: Church Times: "The Ven Edward R Francis", 4 June 2004, p 22. 28 April 2021.