13 NOVEMBER 1897, Page 27

Rochester Cathedral and See. By G. H. Palmer, B.A. (Bell

and Sons.)—Though Rochester does not rank very high among the English cathedrals, it is made the subject of an interesting narrative in Mr. Palmer's hands. He traces the history of the building with occasional references to persons and incid-2nts em- nected with it, and relates what it has suffered from restorers and beautifiers. One of the most curious stories is that of Cossuma Albertus, Prince of Transylvania, who was buried in the cathedral in 1661. His coach stuck fast in the mud near Ga.dshill, and he was murdered by his coachman and footman. Eleven years afterwards a French Admiral killed in a battle with the Dutch was buried there. Surely Mr. Palmer is a year out when he says that King Ethelbert was baptised in 598. If he is right we have been all wrong in keeping the thirteenth centenary this yeAr.