Rochester and Rutherford Hall was founded in 1984 with the merger of Rochester Hall (opened in 1956) and Rutherford Hall (opened 1971). 

Its governing body is an ecumenical foundation on which the Baptist, Catholic, Methodist and Presbyterian Churches are represented.

The name of the Hall

The life and work of John Fisher, Bishop of Rochester, Kent (1459 - 1535) is commemorated twice at the Hall - first in the inclusion of 'Rochester" in the name of the Hall and secondly in Fisher House, one of the Hall's three houses.

The famous scientist, Sir Ernest Rutherford, who was a graduate of Canterbury University, is also commemorated in the name of the Hall.

More House honours the English statesman and visionary, Thomas More (1447 - 1535). Like Fisher, More refused to acknowledge Henry VIII as head of the Church of England, therefore he was executed like Fisher.

Wilson House commemorates Malcom Wilson (1905 - 1969) a Minister of the Knox Presbyterian Church in Christchurch, who was the main driving force behind the establishment of Rutherford Hall.