Whilst you are in Canterbury may I recommend a few other attractions.
There is lots more to see and do!
If you do not have time to see all these attractions within a day why not stay a while...
Canterbury City Council and the Visitor information Centre promote a special passport - A Canterbury Museums Ticket allows entry to Canterbury Heritage Museum, the West Gate Museum, and the Roman Museum at a reduced price. Ask for details when you first visit one of these attractions.
North Holmes Road, follow
Longport . This church was founded during the Roman occupation, and is
the oldest known Christian site in England. Stained glass windows illustrate the
history of this church, and Roman bricks can still be seen in the chancel walls.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S ABBEY:
Longport. Tel: 767345.
Open April to October 10.00-18.00 daily, November to March 10.00-16.00. Closed
13.00-14.00 each day.
In 597 Augustine, a papal missionary, came to Kent to convert the heathen
English. King Ethelbert of Kent, encouraged by his Christian wife Queen Bertha,
was baptised a short time later. With King Ethelbert's support Augustine began
work on a monastery, now known as St. Augustine's Abbey, and founded England's
first cathedral on the site of the present one. Until their monastery was
completed Augustine and his monks joined Queen Bertha for worship at her chapel,
St. Martin's Church.
The Abbey founded by St. Augustine flourished and became famous for its
illuminated manuscripts. Many new buildings were added but after the Norman
Conquest the Abbey was largely rebuilt. Although much of the Abbey was destroyed
during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538, the remains, including the
Norman crypt, the early 7th century Chapel of St. Pancras, and part of the 11th
century great nave of the Abbey Church, are well-worth seeing. Henry VIII built
a royal palace, completed one night by candlelight, using the one wall of the
great nave.
CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL: Click Here
The Cathedral is open to
visitors weekdays Easter to September 8.45-19.00, October to Easter 8.45-17.00,
Sundays 12.30- 14.30 & 16.30-17.30. The Precincts are open 7.00-21.00.
Information is available from the Welcome Centre, and notice boards give details
of daily services. Disabled facilities are provided. Guided tours are available.
Within 100 years of Augustine's arrival Canterbury had become the centre of
Christianity in England. The city was sacked repeatedly during the following
centuries, and the Cathedral had to be rebuilt many times. Backed by the wealth
of the Church, the Archbishop of Canterbury became an increasingly important
figure in matters temporal and spiritual. In 1162 Henry II appointed his
chancellor and loyal friend Thomas Becket to the position, hoping to make an
ally of the Church. Instead Becket put the interests of the Church before his
friendship with the King, and a long and bitter dispute over Church privileges
led to Becket's death in 1170. Four knights, believing that they were acting
with the King's authority, brutally murdered the Archbishop in the Cathedral.
After the martyrdom of Becket, Canterbury became a major centre for pilgrimage,
attracting people from all over Europe. The original site of Becket's martyrdom
in the north-west transept is marked with an evocative memorial. In 1220
Becket's body was transferred from the crypt to a new Shrine in the Trinity
Chapel, covered in gold and jewels.
Archbishops, architects and stone masons throughout the centuries have
contributed to the creation of this wonderful Cathedral. Inside you will see
many interesting features including the fan vaulted ceiling of the Bell Harry
Tower, the beautiful carved pulpitum which divides the nave from the choir, the
striking black and white marble font, the tomb of the chivalrous Black Prince,
surrounded by reminders of his achievements, and a 13th century replica of St.
Augustine's Chair, the original chair having been lost in a fire. The undercroft
has the largest Norman crypt in the world, a collection of silver and other rare
ecclesiastical treasures, and contains the 14th century Chapel of Our Lady,
built by the Black Prince. Canterbury Cathedral, along with
St. Augustine's
Abbey and St. Martin's Church have been declared a World Heritage Site.
The Dominican friars arrived in Canterbury in 1221, and were granted land by King Henry III on which to build their friary. Only the refectory and guest hall have survived. The refectory has been restored and is used by the King's School.
The Franciscan monks, or Greyfriars, who arrived in Canterbury in 1224 made the Poor Priests' Hospital their home until their Friary was built. Although it looks precarious straddling the river, Greyfriars House completed about 1267, is the oldest Franciscan building in Britain and all that is left of the Friary. Visits by arrangement only. Contact the Chapter Office in the Cathedral Precincts
With its intricate carvings and colourful heraldic shields forms a splendid main entrance to the Cathedral precincts. It was built to mark the marriage of Henry VII's eldest son Arthur to Catherine of Aragon in 1502. Arthur's death ended the marriage a few months later, but the gate took almost twenty years to complete. The gate was damaged during the Civil War but it has been restored by The Friends Of Canterbury Cathedral.
Butchery Lane Tel: 785575. Open all year Monday to Saturday 10.00-17.00 (last entry 16.00), and from June to October on Sundays 13.00-17.00 (last entry 16.00). Closed Good Friday and at Christmas. Disabled access. Guided tours are available in several languages -- book in advance. Canterbury flourished during the Roman occupation because it was served by three ports and lay on the direct route to London. The Romans changed the Celtic name "Durwhern" to Durovernum Cantiacorum and erected many buildings such as a townhouse, baths and a large amphitheatre. This Museum takes the visitor on a journey through the wonders of Roman Canterbury. Follow in the footsteps of the archaeologists through their excavations beneath the Longmarket Shopping Centre. Authentic scenes from Roman life are recreated, and a computer simulation explains how this Roman house may have looked. Roman artefacts from Canterbury digs are displayed including a unique set of silver spoons. Highlights include the hypocaust room and mosaic floor.
CANTERBURY HERITAGE MUSEUM OF THE CITY:
Stour Street. Tel: 01227 452747. Open Monday to Saturday 10.30-17.00 (last entry at 16.00), and from June to October on Sundays 13.30-17.00 (last entry 16.00). Closed Good Friday and at Christmas. Disabled access to the ground floor and garden only - at a reduced price. A visit to this Museum will take you on an exciting "timewalk" through 2000 years of history, with some of the city's most precious objects on view, including two pieces of Saxon jewellery, the "Canterbury Pendant" and the "Canterbury Cross". History is brought to life in a computer display of Viking raids, and the murder of Becket is captured in a ghostly hologram. The Rupert Bear Gallery celebrates this loveable children's' favourite, created by author Mary Tourtel, who lived in Canterbury. The Museum also displays Stephenson's Invicta, the first passenger steam engine in the world, which ran on the Canterbury and Whitstable Railway, opened in 1830.
The Museum is housed in the Poor Priests' Hospital, founded in 1220 to provide care and shelter for sick and needy priests. This attractive Medieval building has been restored, and the magnificent oak-beamed roof helps to create a lovely atmosphere in which to enjoy Canterbury's past.
St. Peter's Street. Open Monday to Saturday 11.00-12.30 and 13.30-15.30. Closed Good Friday and at Christmas. The West Gate, completed in 1381, was one of eight gateways built into the medieval wall around Canterbury. Such impressive fortifications were vital, especially during the turbulent 14th century, when peasant uprisings were widespread. It was used as a prison until the early 19th century. The Museum has displays on the city's defences, and weaponry from the Civil War onwards. The prison cells can be inspected, then clear your head with great views across the city from the battlements. No disabled access.
ROYAL MUSEUM, ART GALLERY AND BUFFS REGIMENTAL MUSEUM:
High Street . Tel: 452747. Open all year from Monday to Saturday 10.00- 17.00. Closed Good Friday and Christmas. The Beaney Institute, opened in 1897, was provided by Dr. Beaney, who was born in Canterbury. The Public Library occupies the ground floor with the Museums on the first floor. The Art Gallery has changing exhibitions throughout the year, with a major exhibition to coincide with the annual Canterbury Festival. Museum displays include military uniforms and paintings by local artist Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803-1902). FREE ADMISSION.
CANTERBURY TALES VISITOR ATTRACTION:
St. Margaret's Street . Tel: 454888. Open March to June and September to October 9.30-17.30 daily, July and August 9.00-18.00 daily, and November to February 10.00-16.30 Sunday to Friday, 9.30-17.30 on Saturdays. Closed Christmas Day. Access and assistance for disabled visitors is provided. This award-winning attraction is inspired by "The Canterbury Tales", written in the fourteenth century by Geoffrey Chaucer. These stories are told by a group of pilgrims as they travel from London to Canterbury to see Becket's shrine. The colourful characters that Chaucer describes, and the stories they tell make Medieval England come alive. Here you can walk through medieval scenes alongside Chaucer's pilgrims and enjoy the humour and wisdom of five of the "Tales". The stories are told by famous actors, and there is a special commentary for children. There is a gift shop Refreshments are available in the restaurant.
A market place originally called Bull Steak where bulls were baited before being slaughtered in Butchery Lane. Canterbury's War Memorial stands here.
THE CANTERBURY ENVIRONMENT CENTRE:
St. Alphege Lane . Tel: 457009. Open 10.30-17.00 daily. This 12th century church now contains exhibitions, slide shows and videos about the past, present and future of this beautiful city.
Mercery Lane . A 14th century pilgrims inn.
St. Peter's Street This building was an impressive home for Canterbury's Mayors and Bailiffs. It has Norman stone walls 2 feet thick, a 12th century aisled timber hall, and Tudor carved panelling.
17 Palace Street This is supposedly where the four knights rested before they murdered Thomas Becket. There is an 11th century stone cellar and 13th century timber-framed gallery. Now an antique shop.
The Norman name "donjon", suggests that this might have been an ancient burial mound. During the 18th century the mound from the Norman motte and bailey castle (1070), was reshaped and a monument built at the top by Alderman James Simmonds.
Open Monday to Saturday 10.00-17.00, Sunday 11.00-17.00, closed Good Friday and Christmas Day. Founded in 1180 to shelter needy pilgrims (it still gives refuge to pilgrims today). It is one of the oldest buildings in Canterbury with a 12th century stone crypt and an 800 year old fresco on the refectory wall. Changing exhibitions. FREE.
Monastery Street This grand entrance to the Abbey and Royal Palace was built between 1300-1309 under the direction of Abbot Thomas Fyndon. Charles I and his bride Henrietta Maria are thought to have spent their wedding night in one of the rooms.
71 St. Dunstan's Street This timber-framed house belonged to Agnes Wickfield in "David Copperfield" written by Charles Dickens. David's friends, the Micawber family, stay at the Sun Inn (C3), while visiting him.
Mint Yard This is the oldest school in Britain, its foundation may have been during the time of Augustine, and its academic achievements have been admired since the 7th century. Many famous people were educated here including Christopher Marlowe, botanist John Tradescant (1608-62), and the cricketer David Gower.
Christopher Marlowe (1564-93), the Elizabethan poet and playwright was born in Canterbury and educated at the greatly respected King's School.
BACK TO TOP
One of Kent's three Royal castles. Not open to the public, but you can walk
along part of the Norman city walls.
This staircase, built c.1153, led up to a Poor Pilgrims' Hall, where they could stay for three nights free. Now part of the King's School
QUEEN ELIZABETH GUEST CHAMBER,
High Street This was an inn for pilgrims. Elizabeth I met a suitor, the Duc d'Alencon here in 1573.
St. Dunstan's Street Margaret Roper was Thomas Moore's daughter, and this gateway is the only remaining part of the Roper family's home. After Moore's execution Margaret brought his head back to Canterbury to rest in the Roper Chapel at St. Dunstan's Church .
BACK TO TOP
The rest of this church, where Christopher Marlowe was baptised in 1564, was
destroyed with all the surrounding historic buildings by bombing raids during
the Second World War.
Church Lane. This Saxon church is the oldest church within the city walls, much of it date from the 8th century. Mildred was a popular local saint and the great-great-granddaughter of King Ethelbert.
Palace Street. This attractive crooked house, built about 1612, was once The Old King's Shop. It was also the home of Sir John Boys, an M.P. and Recorder of Canterbury.
St. Peter's Street. During the 16th century many Flemish and Huguenot families, fleeing from religious persecution on the continent, found a safe home in Canterbury. Their weaving skills complemented the growing importance of Canterbury as a wool market. Many attractive Flemish houses with their high gables can still be seen in the city.
There are also other walks in the city:
WALKING TOURS:
The Canterbury Walks provide an ideal introduction to this historic city
and are led by a Canterbury City Official Guide. Tickets are available from the
Visitor Information Centre.
Tours last 1.5 hours and leave from the Centre at 14.00 daily April-November,
and also at 11.00 daily from June to August. For more details and to book
special group tours and tours in other languages Tel: 459779.
MINIBUS GUIDED TOURS:
City and hinterland, Kent and south-east. Pick up and collection service in
Canterbury area on request. Also 1 to 2 hour city walking tours. Tourist Board
Registered Canterbury City Guide and Blue Badge Driver Guide. For bookings Tel:
01303 850856 or 0370 300142 (mobile).
HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE TRIPS,
In a real Victorian carriage. Marlowe Avenue . Tel: 364027.
BOAT TRIPS AND BOAT HIRE:
River Tours, All Saint's Lane Tel: 01227 450912.
Canterbury River Navigation Co. offer punt trips from the West Gate
Bridge, from 10.00 daily, May-September. Tel: 01585 318301.
RIVER TRIPS FROM THE OLD WEAVERS:
The intimate style and manner in which our tour is conducted makes us a perfect attraction for any group visit to the city. We are well versed in taking groups of all sizes and nationalities throughout our season.
Over the years we have often been used by visiting parties as the perfect introduction to the city, and are able to offer a meeting and greeting service, where one of our guides can collect your group from the coach park or designated drop of point and bring you directly to the tour.
Our ideal location in the centre of the high street, and only a five minute walk from the cathedral gates, means that we can easily be part of a structured tour programme for your visit.
For groups over 20 in size, a discount programme is available. These discounts are dependent on total participating numbers and the time of which the tour will take place.
There is no charge for tour leaders and coach drivers! For school and language school bookings please click here.
Due to the specific nature of our business and our previous experience with group inquiries / bookings, we have found that to best serve your requirements it can be easier to contact us directly by telephone. Our direct number is:
0044-(0)7790-534744
You are welcome to leave your telephone number on our answer phone service or our email address, where we will be happy to get back to you as soon as we can.
Whilst on the tour discover what really
happened to Nell the Cook and why:
Here is the original tale as published in the London Illustrated News of 1841:
And near this fleshless skeleton a pitcher
small did lie,
And a mouldy piece of "kissing crust", as from a Warden Pie!
And Doctor Jones declared the bones were female bones and
"Zooks! I should not be surprised," said he, "if these were Nelly Cook's!"
........................Richard H. Barham
At the time of Henry VIII there was a Friar who lived near to the Dark Entry in the Cathedral Precincts. The Friar, who, in rank was supposedly a Canon, had a servant by the name of Ellen Bean. For some reason, and probably to amuse him, he always called her Nell, or Nelly, Cook. I too shall call her Nell, as that's the way the stories told.
Nell was quite a pretty girl although her real claim to fame was that she was a genius in the kitchen. So much so, that there was a great deal of dissension among the other clerics of the Priory of St. Saviour in that it was considered that the Canon lived too well. None of this bothered Nell who was, of course, gainfully employed at a place of work that she enjoyed. However, this peace was to be disrupted when one day a rather attractive and brash young lady came to stay with the Canon.
The Canon stated that this was his niece and that as her Father had been called away on business overseas, it was his Christian duty to take care of the young lady. However, from the time the 'niece' walked into the house, things changed. There were sumptuous meals required every night with lots of wine followed by the couple singing and dancing to music not fit for a cleric. If this was not enough to arouse the suspicions of young Nell, the fact that the young lady's bed did not appear to have been slept in since her arrival, did. It seemed that Nell, unbeknown to him, had 'a bit of a thing' for the Canon.
Carefully, one evening, Nell places a poker and a pair of tongs in the young lady's bed. When she next checked the bed they had not moved from where she left them. As a result, the next night, Nell crept up to have a peep through the keyhole of the Canon's private chamber. What she saw did not amuse her. She decided upon her only course of action and went out the next day to purchase the ingredients for a "Warden Pie" for the couple that night. The Pie was a particular favourite with the Canon but this time Nell added an additional item to the Pie.
The morning after, the Canon did not arrive at the Priory and eventually the monks came to his house to find both the Canon and his young lady poisoned as a result of eating the Pie. What a scandal there would be if this was found out! The monks and the Canon held a midnight service in the Cathedral and his 'niece' were laid to rest under a flagstone in the nave.
What happened to Nell? .........Nell disappeared.
Nothing was heard of Nell again until one day, three Masons were called to repair a flagstone that had become loose in the Dark Entry. When they lifted the stone, what should they find but a skeleton huddled in the corner of a pit dug under the stone. Beside the wretched find was a small piece of the crust of a "Warden Pie"!
Within a year of making this grisly discovery, all three of the Masons were dead. Two of them were hung for the murder of the third. It was the death of these three unfortunate men that started the legend of Nell Cook. However, there have been others since that have supposedly seen the ghost and suffered the same fate.
Consequently, no local person is likely to tempt fate by walking through the Dark Entry late on a Friday night. For whoever sees the ghost of Nell Cook will die within the year!
Added Content
Broadstairs Bed and Breakfasts Broadstairs Ghost Tour Broadstairs Map
Broadstairs Photos Canterbury Ghost Tour Canterbury Interactive Map
Canterbury Photo Opportunities Canterbury Photos Canterbury Pubs
Canterbury Visitor Attractions Canterbury’s Hotels & Guest Houses Contact the Ghost Hunter
East Kent Map Faversham Ghosts I have seen Group Bookings Home Kent
Map Links to other Ghost
Tours
News Releases Pluckley Transport Links Whitstable
Witchcraft
