The western part of the nave is substantially as Gundulf designed it.
According to George H. Palmer (who substantially follows St John Hope) "Rochester and Peterborough possess probably the best examples of the Norman nave in the country".
The main arcade is topped by a string course below a triforium.
The triforium is Norman with a further string course above.
The clerestory above is of perpendicular style.
From the capitals pilasters rise to the first string course but appear to have been removed from the triforium stage.
Originally they might have supported the roof timbers, or even been the springing of a vault.

The easternmost bay of the triforium appears to be Norman, but is the work of 14th-century masons.
The final bay of the nave is Decorated in style and leads to the tower piers.
Of note is the north pier which possibly contains the Oratory Chapel mentioned above.

The aisles are plain with flat pilasters.
The eastern two bays are Decorated with springing for vaulting.
Whether the vault was ever constructed is unknown, the present wooden roof extends the full length of the aisles.

The crossing is bounded to the east by the quire screen with the organ above.
This is of 19th-century work and shows figures associated with the early cathedral.
Above the crossing is the central tower, housing the bells and above that the spire.
The ceiling of the crossing is notable for the four Green Men carved on the bosses.
Visible from the ground is the outline of the trapdoor through which bells can be raised and lowered when required.
The floor is stepped up to the pulpitum and gives access to the quire through the organ screen.
The western part of the nave is substantially as Gundulf designed it. According to George H. Palmer (who substantially follows St John Hope) "Rochester and Peterborough possess probably the best examples of the Norman nave in the country". The main arcade is topped by a string course below a triforium. The triforium is Norman with a further string course above. The clerestory above is of perpendicular style. From the capitals pilasters rise to the first string course but appear to have been removed from the triforium stage. Originally they might have supported the roof timbers, or even been the springing of a vault.
The easternmost bay of the triforium appears to be Norman, but is the work of 14th-century masons. The final bay of the nave is Decorated in style and leads to the tower piers. Of note is the north pier which possibly contains the Oratory Chapel mentioned above.
The aisles are plain with flat pilasters. The eastern two bays are Decorated with springing for vaulting. Whether the vault was ever constructed is unknown, the present wooden roof extends the full length of the aisles.
The crossing is bounded to the east by the quire screen with the organ above. This is of 19th-century work and shows figures associated with the early cathedral. Above the crossing is the central tower, housing the bells and above that the spire. The ceiling of the crossing is notable for the four Green Men carved on the bosses. Visible from the ground is the outline of the trapdoor through which bells can be raised and lowered when required. The floor is stepped up to the pulpitum and gives access to the quire through the organ screen.
Rochester Cathedral