Canterbury

Canterbury cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Founded in 597 AD by Augustine, it forms a World Heritage Site, along with the Saxon St. Martin's Church and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey. With one million visitors per year, it is one of the most visited laces in the country.

The Eastbridge Hospital

St. Thomas Becket was murdered on December 29, 1170 in Canterbury Cathedral. Almost immediately, pilgrims came to visit his tomb and the city had to provide accommodation for them. In 1190, Edward Fitzodbold founded a hospital on the bridge in the High Street and Becket's nephew Ralph was probably the first Master.

St Augustines Abbey

This great Abbey, marking the rebirth of Christianity in southern England, was founded in AD 597 by St Augustine. Originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent, it is part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site, along with the Cathedral and St Martin's Church.

The Westgate Towers

Canterburys West Gate has stood for six centuries on guard over the road to and from London. Hundreds of thousands of medieval pilgrims,on their way to visit Saint Thomas Becket's shrine, passed through this gateway into the city.

The Westgate is now a museum. On display are guns and armaments, from the Civil War to World War Two.Prison cells can be visited and there is replica armour to try on for children.

Canterbury's rich history since its beginnings as an Iron Age settlement provides a wealth of interest for those with an interest in history. Listed below are just a few of the highlights; you can find much more here.