As part of the 1870s Victorian restorations of Rochester Cathedral by Sir George Gilbert Scott, the intention had been to raise the ceilings.

High, prominent gable walls (top centre, above) were added to the chancel and transepts but the Cathedral ran out of money before the roofs behind them could be raised to the same height, leaving the gable walls as pieces of elaborate, freestanding stage scenery.

Scott openly hoped that future generations would eventually raise the roofs, but it never happened.