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Canterbury Cathedral – Canterbury Cathedral, is
just a glorious example of soaring Gothic architecture and medieval stained
glass windows. But there's more – the cathedral is also the spot where
Thomas a Becket was murdered (on King Henry II's inadvertent request). The
shrine to Becket became a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages – and
Canterbury Cathedral Priory was a great monastery. And centuries before,
in 597 A.D. St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, arrived from
Rome to set up a church on this site. Kids will be impressed with this medieval
cathedral. |
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The vaulted ceiling and exterior facade is decorated with many different coats of arms of medieval knights. Don't miss the statues of English kings on the screen between
the nave and choir, and the tomb of Edward, the Black Prince. The cathedral
has wonderful acoustics for concerts – it's spine-tingling to hear
the great pipe organ played. Plus, ringing the bells in the towers. |
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Outside the cathedral, wander around the Great Cloister, imagining
monks at work – illuminating manuscripts or instructing novices. Check
out the lovely stained glass in the Chapter House. |
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Walk around Canterbury – Climb up the West Gate Tower,
the only original gate of the medieval city, for a great view of the cathedral
and city panorama. Stroll around town through small windy streets,
(cars aren't allowed in the center of town during the day), lots of medieval,
Tudor, 18th century house fronts. Cross the Stour River to High Street,
once on the main route from London to Dover. |
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Roman Museum (Longmarket) – An underground museum
that takes you back 2,000 years, when Canterbury was an outpost of the Roman
empire. Find out about the Roman town, excavated underneath the Longmarket
Shopping Center – see what shopping and home life was like in Roman
times. Hands-on activities and games for kids. |
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Canterbury Castle – Run round the crumbling ruins
of the Norman keep. Originally an 11th century motte and bailey,
the stone castle was built in the 12th century, but quickly became the county
jail (not terribly comfortable for the prisoners). |
