Canterbury Cathedral

• Founded 597 by St. Augustine
• Mother Church of the Anglican Communion
• Romanesque Crypt
• 12th century Gothic Quire
• 14th-15th century Nave
• Site of Becket's Martyrdom and Shrine
• Notable stained glass

Weekdays
Summer: 9am - 5.30pm
Winter: 9am - 5pm
(Crypt: 10am - 5.30pm) 

Sundays
12.30pm - 2.30pm
(including Crypt)

(Last entry 30 minutes prior to closing time)

Please note: The east end of the Cathedral, including the Quire, will close everyday in preparation for Evensong from 4.30pm (Monday-Friday) and from 2.30pm (Saturday and Sunday).

Closures
The Cathedral plays an active role in the community and is used regularly for local, regional and/or national services and events. This inevitably leads to restrictions on general visiting.

Canterbury Cathedral
A fascinating medieval city that has been the centre of English Christianity since St. Augustine was sent here by Pope Gregory in 597AD. The original church was rebuilt in the 11th century as the magnificent cathedral we will visit today. Of the 104 Archbishops to date, possibly the most famous is Thomas Becket, who was gruesomely murdered in the cathedral in 1170.

The Quire and Trinity Chapel
The Quire was re-built and extended in the 12th century after a disastrous fire destroyed the earlier structure. It housed Thomas Becket's shrine until it was demolished and removed during the Reformation by order of Henry VIII. Beautiful
stained glass windows illustrate miracles and stories associated with St Thomas.

Stained Glass
There can be no doubt that one of the greatest glories of Canterbury
Cathedral is its stained glass, and visitors from all over the world wonder
at the craftsmanship. Indeed the collection of 12th and 13th century glass - depicting miracles, royal connections and Bible stories - is the finest in the country.

Venue Information:
Canterbury Cathedral, The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2EH
Nearest Train Station: Canterbury East or Canterbury West

Golden Tours act as an official agent for these activities, as such you are subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier.