Thomas Becket – My London+

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.

The Clangers – a popular children’s TV programme from the past that is having a revival

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!

A horse and a Roman – what more could a girl want!

Look closely at this picture. No 6 on here is where the hotel is! The theatre.

Most Romans ate out, the equivalent of fast food!

After the Romans left, it was Anglo-Saxons who dominated. A bit of a come down in the housing sector, I think!

Under the floor in this building are the remains of heating systems, pavements and floors

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.

Drizzled with white chocolate and icing sugar. Devine!

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.

The outside of the Cathedral – trying to miss the scaffolding!

Compass Rose – symbol of the world-wide Anglican Community with Canterbury the mother church

View of the Cathedral from the cloisters

Particular favourites of mine due to the vivid colour

Down in the Crypt no photography was allowed, but I sneaked this one. ‘Transport’ by Antony Gormley hovers over the place of Thomas Becket’s original tomb

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.

Altar to Thomas Becket at the place where he was slain

Part 3 will be coming soon, and includes a visit to St Augustine’s Abbey, and to a churchyard.

I was due to leave for Canterbury on 18th February for four nights, and then Storm Eunice hovered and was due to hit on the day I was leaving home. Having found out that my train ticket would be valid to use either on the 17th or 19th due to the storm, I rang the hotel to see if I could book in a day early. Once that was confirmed, I had a frantic time packing. All my plans seemed rushed. I have never packed so fast and with little thought! I’d rung them in the afternoon and I arrived around 6.45 that evening. In the dark it was hard to spot the hotel, but I arrived, quickly unpacked, and went for a meal in the dining room.

No one knew quite what would happen the next day, except winds were due to reach between 60-80 miles and hour. We received the highest warning (Red). I made the right choice as I’d not have got here otherwise. Trains were suspended, planes had trouble landing (some aborted landing and flew back). Building collapsed, roofs were blown off including part of the O2 building in London.

On that first morning, I did little except pop out before the peak hit, just to get my bearings. I had a nice nap in the afternoon while the wind raged. By 4pm things had died down and I ventured out and took a walk around part of the city walls (not Roman, but built on top of them), took a stroll through Dane John Gardens and watched the sun set from the top of Dane John monument. Dane John is from the Norman ‘Donjon’. The Normans raised their first defences here. At the top it was really scary as the wind was strong still and I clung to the railings to take a few photos. I was glad to get down again.

Canterbury Castle is no longer open due to crumbling masonry

St George’s Clocktower. Remains of the church where Christopher Marlowe was baptised

Canterbury is the birth place of Christianity, the place where Thomas Becket was martyred, the birthplace of Christopher Marlowe and the story of The Canterbury Tales by Chaucer. It is also the birthplace of the creator of Rupert Bear, and has the oldest church in the English speaking world. Canterbury also has many Roman remains. Walking in the city is walking on Roman buildings and roads. Even the hotel where I am staying has part of the Roman Theatre beneath it. In the foyer is a glass floor where you can see part of it.

Because there is so much to see and do here that I am splitting this blog into parts.

Yesterday I had a four hour window (with sunshine!) to get out and take photos before heavy rain set in. I wanted to see the River Stour and ended up walking a fair distance of it. Westgate Gardens is a beautiful part of it, and I enjoyed being out in the sun. The wind had dropped and it was pleasant.

Westgate Towers is the old gaol, now a museum, restaurant and escape room!

On my return to the city, I had a few places I wanted to visit. These included The Beany (House of Art & Knowledge) which is also the city Tourist Information Office, Library and has galleries. But that, I’m afraid, is for next time.

Tag: Thomas Becket

Canterbury – Part 2

The City of Canterbury, Kent (1)