Canterbury
Cathedral The Mission of the Cathedral is to encourage a
living faith in God by interpreting the Christian Gospel through the
Cathedral building itself, its history, its Saints, its worship, preaching
and teaching, and through its work in the wider community.
Canterbury Cathedral has a tradition of visitor welcome that reaches back
to the days of medieval pilgrimages. To all our visitors we extend a warm
welcome and hope that they will enjoy sharing with us the experience of
this, one of the great holy places of Christendom.
The Cathedral and its History, St Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the
Great, arrived in 597 AD and became the first Archbishop, establishing his
seat (or ‘Cathedral’) in Canterbury. In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket
was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since, the Cathedral has attracted
thousands of pilgrims.
Places to visit – The Nave –The present Nave was built in the 14th
century in the Perpendicular style. Tall columns rise up like an avenue of
trees to meet in delicate vaulted arches. The Quire – The quire was rebuilt and extended in the 12th
century in the early Gothic style, and housed Thomas Becket’s shrine
until it was destroyed during the Reformation by order of Henry VIII.
Beautiful stained glass windows illustrate miracles and stories associated
with St Thomas. The Crypt- The Crypt is the oldest part of the Cathedral and the
largest of its kind in the country. It dates back to the 11th
century, and is Romanesque in style. The Crypt is reserved as an area of
quiet for reflection and prayer.
Canterbury
‘Environment’ Centre
St Alphege Lane (off Palace St), Canterbury.
Visit
the Canterbury Environment Centre .
Since 1983, the Centre has been promoting the interests of
Canterbury, its surroundings, its future, its people,
planning and buildings.
Located in 12th century church, has; information office, bookshop, licensed café, wheelchair
access.
Find out here how the Centre serves the community through
its extensive resources, activities, exhibitions, and as a
friendly meeting place in the city of Canterbury.
Call
01227 457009 or visithttp://www.canterburycentre.org.ukfor details
The
Canterbury Tales
St Margaret’s Street, Canterbury.
A visit to the Canterbury Tales, one of Britain’s most popular
attractions, is just like stepping into medieval England complete with
stunning reconstructions of 14th Century Canterbury. Inside
this historic building you can step back into medieval Canterbury with all
its splendours. Here you can join Geoffrey Chaucer (England’s finest
poet) and his colourful characters as they journey from London toward the
shrine of Saint Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.
Begin your journey at the Tabard Inn, in London and be entertained on your
journey by stories told by a merry band of pilgrims, such as The Knights
tale, The Millers tale, The wife of Baths tale, The Nun’s Priest Tale
and the Pardoner’s Tale. Watch out for the unexpected ending
The International
Doll and
Toy Collection 4-6
Orange Street, Canterbury
Britain’s
only ethnic doll and toy collection with dolls. toys, teddies and model
houses from around the world. Museum & shop.
Call
0227 785008/76877 for details.
Canterbury Roman
Museum Butchery
Lane, Canterbury.
Exciting
museum based at excavated Roman site in the Longmarket shopping centre.
Call
01227 452747 for details
Canterbury Heritage
Museum Stour
Street Canterbury.
Set
in a breathtaking medieval building, this award winning museum uses
computers, AV and hologram effects to illustrate the city’s 2000 year
history and its treasures.
Call
01227 452747 for details
Royal Museum and Art
Gallery High
Street Canterbury.
Housing
the City’s picture collection, T S Cooper Gallery, special art
exhibitions and the Buffs Regimental Museum.
Call
01227 452747 for details.
West
Gate Museum
One of England’s
finest medieval gates dating from the 1380s. Displays of arms and armour
from the Civil war to
the 2nd World war.
Call
01227 452747 for details.
Please note - all information
is given in good faith and taken from local tourist brochures, for opening
times and any admission fees please ring our local Tourist Information
Centres, or ask at our office for latest brochures. E&OE
