The oldest part of the crypt is the two westernmost bays under the eastern end of the quire.
It is part of the original 1080s Lanfranc construction with typical Romanesque groin vaulting springing from plain capitals atop quite slender plain shafts.
The rest of the crypt is from a century later.
The plinths, shafts and capitals are in the same style as the earlier work, but quadripartite rib vaulting was used.
Owing to the oblong shape of the bays, the shorter transverse arches are pointed; however, since the other ribs are rounded, the overall appearance is Romanesque.
In places remnants of the mediaeval paintwork are visible in the vaulting.
More medieval paintwork is visible in the east end window openings.

The eastern part of the crypt under the presbytery has been converted into a chapel dedicated to St Ithamar.
Except when used for the Sunday Club (for young people) during Sunday Eucharist, it is reserved as a place of quiet and stillness for private prayer and reflection.

Access to the crypt is down a flight of stairs from the south quire aisle.
The stairs occupy the width of the original aisle prior to the demolition of Gundulf's small tower (see above).
A wheelchair lift installed in 2017 provides disabled access.

As part of the addition of disabled access and the change of use of the crypt, the whole of the crypt floor has been removed and the area under it investigated by archaeologists.
 A Roman house and the foundations of the original east end have been uncovered. (
As of March 2015) reports are not yet available, the published plans have been affected by archaeological discoveries.
The oldest part of the crypt is the two westernmost bays under the eastern end of the quire. It is part of the original 1080s Lanfranc construction with typical Romanesque groin vaulting springing from plain capitals atop quite slender plain shafts. The rest of the crypt is from a century later. The plinths, shafts and capitals are in the same style as the earlier work, but quadripartite rib vaulting was used. Owing to the oblong shape of the bays, the shorter transverse arches are pointed; however, since the other ribs are rounded, the overall appearance is Romanesque. In places remnants of the mediaeval paintwork are visible in the vaulting. More medieval paintwork is visible in the east end window openings.
The eastern part of the crypt under the presbytery has been converted into a chapel dedicated to St Ithamar. Except when used for the Sunday Club (for young people) during Sunday Eucharist, it is reserved as a place of quiet and stillness for private prayer and reflection.
Access to the crypt is down a flight of stairs from the south quire aisle. The stairs occupy the width of the original aisle prior to the demolition of Gundulf's small tower (see above). A wheelchair lift installed in 2017 provides disabled access.
As part of the addition of disabled access and the change of use of the crypt, the whole of the crypt floor has been removed and the area under it investigated by archaeologists.  A Roman house and the foundations of the original east end have been uncovered. (As of March 2015) reports are not yet available, the published plans have been affected by archaeological discoveries.
Rochester Cathedral