Canterbury Cathedral
Imbued with history, this cathedral is simply a magnificent work which must be seen to be fully appreciated. Even those with the least spiritual attentions will want to linger here and you can easily spend half a day in its beauty. The church was first consecrated by the Italian monk St Augustine on the site of an old Romano-British church in A.D. 603. Almost half a century later, a fire ravished the building and the first Norman Archbishop Lafranc, began the momentous task of rebuilding the church. You'll see the Norman aspects in the plan of the nave, the cloister walling and the crypt which is the largest Norman crypt in the world. Mostly above ground level, it is flooded with light and you'll be able to see weird and wonderful Norman carvings on the piers. 1174 saw another fire and more restoration was begun by William of Sens who imported Caen stone from Normandy and the early-Gothic style. One of the most significant additions at this time was the new Trinity Chapel, intended as a shrine worthy of St. Thomas a Becket. This was decorated with marvellous stained-glass windows, the so-called 'Poor Man's Bible' and they depict the miracles of Christ and St. Thomas. In addition, you'll be able to see St. Augustine's Chair, a replica built in the 13th century from Purbeck stone, it is the seat in which all new archbishops are enthroned. Also in this chapel keep an eye out for the tomb of Henry IV who lies with his wife Joan of Navarre and the effigy of the Black Prince, the son of Edward III. Other highlights are the worn Pilgrims Steps, the Bell Harry Tower with its ornate fan-vaulted ceiling and the 15th century painting known as 'The Martyrdom' which depicts Becket in confrontation with his murderers.Location
Address: 11 The Precincts
Postcode: CT1 2EH
Town/city or near: Canterbury
County: Kent
Admission
Adults: £5.00
Children: £4.00
Website: http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org
