More information : (TR 15485775). Foundations of Abbot Wulfric's rotunda, Canterbury.
(1)
(TR 15485775). The remains of an octangonal building by Abbot
Wulfric were uncovered during excavations c1915 by Rev RU Potts
for St Augustine's College (see illustration card for plan).
Wulfric, who became Abbot in 1047, coupled the church of St Peter
and Paul (TR 15 NE 269) with the Chapel of St Mary (TR 15 NE 267)
joining them by this structure. When he died in 1059 the work was
incomplete and it remained so until its demolition soon after 1070.
(2-3)
Additional references. (4-6)
The rotunda is without parallel in this country and it was probably
a copy of one built at Dijon in 1018 by Abbot William of Volpiano.
(7)
The circular carpet of Wulfric's rotunda is now exposed. This was
the crypt of an octagon built c1050. It was to be of 2 storeys -
the remaining crypt and an upper storey with a roof supported by a
ring of columns. Parts of the outer walls remain and the S spiral
staircase has been excavated. No exactly similar building has been
found in England. It is thought that Wulfric was inspired by a
journey to Reims in 1049, but the source of his inspiration remains
a matter for discussion. (8)
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