Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury

Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury

Formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Christ at Canterbury, the Canterbury Cathedral in Kent has been the seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for nearly 500 years.

Formally known as the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Christ at Canterbury, the Canterbury Cathedral in Kent has been the seat of the spiritual head of the Church of England for nearly 500 years. Founded in 597 AD and rebuilt in the 11th century, the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury has often been described as 'England in Stone'. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its association with the history of the introduction of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms, and its breathtaking art and architecture.

The main visitor entrance to the Canterbury Cathederal is through an extraordinary decorated gateway, the Christ Church Gateway. It is a monument in itself. It was built in 1502 to celebrate the marriage of Arthur, Prince of Wales. It contains a large figure of Christ and beautiful carved doorways. The entrance through the southwest Gothic porch is from the 15th century. The rest of the façade is Romanesque, featuring blind arches with carved columns and figurative capitals. The perpendicular vaulted nave leads to the Gothic choir screen (pulpitum) in stone featuring 6 royal figures - Henry V, Richard II, Ethelbert (holding a model of the cathedral), Edward the Confessor, Henry IV and Henry VI. A stairway leads to the Trinity Chapel, originally built for the Shrine of St. Thomas, which stood here from 1220 to 1538 when it was destroyed on orders of King Henry VIII. The ambulatory around the Trinity Chapel has stunning stained glass windows, depicting the Miracles of St. Thomas Becket, biblical events, and royal lore. The ambulatory also has tombs of several archbishops and royals, including the Tomb of the Black Prince. The Cathedral is also a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, church silver, vestments, and illustrated books. The Romanesque crypt below the church contains murals and exquisitely carved columns and capitals.