|
 Canterbury
Cathedral:
About twelve miles
West of Sandwich, this magnificent building, towers proudly over the heart of
Canterbury. It is England's most famous place of worship, the first English
cathedral and the very seat of the
Anglican Church. It was founded in 597 AD by St Augustine shortly after
his arrival from Rome and the widespread conversion to christianity of
the Kingdom of Kent. The original saxon building was destroyed by fire and
has since been reconstructed twice with parts dating from 1071 to 1500.
Notable features include the Bell Harry Tower designed by William
Westall in the late 1400's; Henry Yevel's nave resplendent with
magnificent columns; The Trinity Chapel containing the tomb of The Black
Prince; The canopied tomb and alabaster effigies of Henry IV and his
Queen; the beautiful Great North Window; the enormous crypt,
supposedly the largest in the world; the spot where Thomas Becket was
martyred, now marked by a simple stone, and the Altar of the Swordpoint,
where it is said that the sword which killed him shattered on the floor.
Open: Monday-Saturday 0900-1730
Sundays 1230-1430 and 1630-1730 Admission: Adults £3.50; Concessions £2.50 |
