Acting Dean Canon Philip Hesketh appeals for more donations

by Dan Bloom

One of the Bible's most poignant stories is about a poor widow who scrapes together a penny for her church.

Not much has changed in 2,000 years - at least not at Rochester Cathedral.

Shocked clergy who counted the takings on one of their busiest weekends found each tourist was giving an average of just 1.7p.

They have been forced to revamp all the "please donate" signs after 20,000 visitors over December's Dickens weekend gave just £326.

Within weeks of the event on December 4, a piece of plaster the size of a golf ball fell from the roof - which will now need £35,000 in structural checks.

The Acting Dean, Canon Philip Hesketh, said: "It came as an enormous surprise to us and it's a bit challenging, to say the least.

"We are always looking to the next project we want to do but the money gets swallowed up in day-to-day repairs.

"When you have 20,000 people coming in and they only give 300 quid, we have to say maybe we're not doing something right. If everyone just gave £1 we would be in a very different situation - and that's not even enough to buy a pint."

The cathedral, which is the second-oldest in Britain and has a £3 recommended donation, committed to staying free six years ago as others across the UK started charging.

St Paul's, Canterbury, Winchester and York Minster all have entry fees but make exceptions for people taking part in church services.

Rochester Cathedral does not usually count visitor numbers and made an exception for the Dickens weekend, so the problem could be far more wide-reaching.

The cathedral's new Dean, whose identity is due to be announced next week, will have the final say on whether charges are introduced but Dr Hesketh said his views had not changed.

He added: "We're looking at different options for raising money other than entry charges, because it's very important that everyone is able to come in here. We were, and still are, committed to being free."