Two early medieval saints whose shrines were lost for nearly 500 years are being newly commemorated at a cathedral.

St Paulinus and St Ithamar were Bishops of Rochester in the 7th Century and now, nearly 1,400 years later, new shrine markers have been placed in front of the high altar at Rochester Cathedral.

On Sunday, September 24, the new markers will be dedicated to the men who were part of the earliest history of Rochester Cathedral, which was founded in 604 AD.

Paulinus was a member of the Roman mission sent by Pope Gregory to bring Christianity to the English.

He spent many years in Kent before being consecrated as a bishop in 625 and sent north to convert the Northumbrians.

The saint later returned to Rochester where he remained until his death in 644.

Paulinus was succeeded by Ithamar, the first English-born bishop, who died in 665 AD.

Paulinus features on the 1904 Organ Screen with other significant figures from Rochester Cathedral’s past.

Medieval Rochester was a popular pilgrimage site with thousands of pilgrims coming to see the shrines of Ithamar, Paulinus and William of Perth; a later Rochester saint.

The shrines of Ithamar and Paulinus were rebuilt in the mid-14th Century but were destroyed following the Reformation.

The base for the shrine was discovered during the retiling of the floor around the High Altar in the 19th Century.

Fragments, now thought to have come from the 14th Century rebuilt shrines, were discovered during excavations in the 1920s.

The fragments indicate a large canopy structure under which an effigy of the saints would have been laid.

These fragments are now on display in the cathedral crypt exhibition.

The idea to commemorate these two early Saints came from former Canon Precentor Matthew Rushton.

His work was followed up by Dean of Rochester Philip Hesketh.

The Very Rev’d, Dr Philip Hesketh, said: “This is a poignant moment as we remember two Saints whose shrines were destroyed at the Reformation and whose lives played a crucial part in the life of Rochester.

“For the first time in 500 years, there will be a place in the cathedral to remember them and their lives of service.”

The shrines will be dedicated by the Bishop of Rochester at a special service on Sunday.

The Archbishop of York will preach during the service which starts at 3.15pm. People are invited to attend.