Last time I left you as I was about to enter The Beany House of Art & Knowledge. This has multiple uses. It is the city’s Tourist Information Centre, the library, and has several art galleries and permanent displays. Because it was half term, some of the displays were aimed at children.
I mentioned that the creator of Rupert (Mary Tourtel 1974-1948) was born in Canterbury and many books were on display, as well as the sheet music of the Frog Song written by Paul McCartney.
These pink marble capitals (above) are thought to be the stones from Thomas Becket’s tomb, which was destroyed during King Henry VIII’s time. They were found sticking out of the River Stour. It can never be proved, but pink marble is rare, but has been found in Canterbury Cathedral, so it is quite likely!
The photo below shows what was once a lodging house. Note the date AD1573. Although it says Queen’s Chambers, she (Elizabeth I) did not stay there, but at St Augustine’s in 1573. The Chamber was part of the Crown Inn. These days it is occupied by Caffe Nero!
My next visit was to the Roman Museum, close to the Cathedral. It isn’t a huge museum, but I loved it. Anything Roman does it for me!
After leaving the Roman Museum, I still had some to kill, as I’d noted that the Crypt in the Cathedral wasn’t due to open until 2pm, so I found The Chocolate Cafe and order this special.
Finally to Canterbury Cathedral. I came here many years ago, but remember none of it! The entrance, I’m sure has changed. It’s new, a proper entrance off the street, then you walk through the Cathedral shop, outside and across to enter the building. The Cathedral is presently clad in scaffolding, so not very photogenic. Inside, the first part is also clad in scaffolding, but thankfully things improve. The amount of stained glass windows astound me, and the Cathedral is so big. I’d forgotten that. There are so many chapels and stairs. It seems to go on forever.
Like many churches and Cathedrals, Canterbury has been built at different times. New parts were added over the years. A quick bit of history. In AD 597 missionaries from Rome arrived and converted the King of Kent to Christianity. The King’s wife Bertha was already a Christian, whereas the King was at that time, pagan. Augustine (leader of the mission) was consecrated as Archbishop. The Cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury ever since.
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In my last post I gave a link to Thomas Becket. However, here is a different one which explains the story, should you wish to know who he was and why he was murdered.
Part 3 will be coming soon, and includes a visit to St Augustine’s Abbey, and to a churchyard.
My London+ 