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History of Canterbury, England
Journey back in time to Canterbury, England
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Canterbury, England.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Canterbury
Canterbury, historic town and surrounding city (local authority) in the administrative and historic county of Kent, southeastern England. Its cathedral has been the primary ecclesiastical centre of England since the early 7th century CE. The city, a district within the administrative county of Kent, includes the town of Canterbury, the surrounding countryside, and an area extending to the Thames estuary, including the seaside towns of Whitstable and Herne Bay.
The site of the town of Canterbury has been occupied since pre-Roman times... The town wall was built by the Romans about 200 CE and rebuilt in the Middle Ages; parts of it still stand. Of the six medieval entrances to the town, only Westgate survives...
The site of the town of Canterbury has been occupied since pre-Roman times... The town wall was built by the Romans about 200 CE and rebuilt in the Middle Ages; parts of it still stand. Of the six medieval entrances to the town, only Westgate survives...
Sourcebritannica.com
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MAP
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VINTAGE CANTERBURY
Canterbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Canterbury, England
Postcard
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury, England
Postcard
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to CANTERBURY
ENGLAND in My Roots: Ancestral Heritage Mug
"My ancestors came from England. That explains a lot about my love for cricket, afternoon tea, and the royal family!"
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Canterbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Canterbury through the years.
1475 - William Caxton printed his first copy of Chaucer's 'Canterbury Tales', which had been written in the late 14th century.
1567 - Flemish weavers first arrived in Canterbury, fleeing from religious persecution.
1645 - Archbishop of Canterbury William Laud was executed at the Tower of London, in January, having been accused of treason by the Long Parliament of 1640 and imprisoned.
1790 - A hospital opened in Canterbury.
1830 - The Canterbury and Whitstable Railway railway line was opened. It was finally closed in 1953.
It is believed to be the first regular passenger steam railway in the world.
1848 - St Augustine's College, Canterbury, a Church of England theological college was established.
1895 - Canterbury
Canterbury, kan'ter-ber-e (anc. Durover'num or Dar ver"num; afterwards called Cantua'ria), a city, borough, and county of itself, in England, within the co, of Kent, on the Stour, 53 miles E.S.E. of London, at the junction of several railways. Lat., 51° 16' 48" N.; lon. 1° 4' 31" E. It is situated in a rich vale, and has four main streets, branching from a centre at right angles. Its cathedral, erected in the twelfth and two following centuries, on the site of the first Christian church built in Saxon England, is in the form of a double cross, with a central and two western towers, and presents a magnificent union of almost every style of Christian architecture. The choir is the largest and one of the finest in the kingdom, and the pavement of the chapel of the Holy Trinity is worn into hollows by the knees of the innumerable pilgrims who here worshipped at the shrine of Thomas à Becket. Among other interesting tombs here is that of the Black Prince. A fine chapter-house and a...
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Here are some of the must-visit places and activities in and around Canterbury:
1. Canterbury Cathedral:
Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a masterpiece of Gothic architecture but also one of the most significant religious sites in England. Explore the stunning interiors, admire the intricate stained glass windows, and don't forget to see the tomb of Thomas Becket.
2. St. Augustine's Abbey:
Just a short walk from the cathedral, you'll find the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey. These ancient ruins date back to the 6th century and are a testament to the city's early Christian history. It's a serene place to take a leisurely stroll and reflect on the past.
3. Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction:
Immerse yourself in the world of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales at this interactive museum. Meet the characters from the tales and learn about medieval life in Canterbury through a combination of storytelling and multimedia exhibits.
4. Westgate Towers Museum:
Step back in time at...
Read more
Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Canterbury Cathedral. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is not only a masterpiece of Gothic architecture but also one of the most significant religious sites in England. Explore the stunning interiors, admire the intricate stained glass windows, and don't forget to see the tomb of Thomas Becket.
2. St. Augustine's Abbey:
Just a short walk from the cathedral, you'll find the ruins of St. Augustine's Abbey. These ancient ruins date back to the 6th century and are a testament to the city's early Christian history. It's a serene place to take a leisurely stroll and reflect on the past.
3. Canterbury Tales Visitor Attraction:
Immerse yourself in the world of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales at this interactive museum. Meet the characters from the tales and learn about medieval life in Canterbury through a combination of storytelling and multimedia exhibits.
4. Westgate Towers Museum:
Step back in time at...
GENEALOGY IN CANTERBURY
Discover YOUR Roots: Canterbury Ancestry
Explore ancestors connected to Canterbury through births, deaths, marriages, cemeteries, and local genealogy resources.
BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Canterbury, England
We currently have information about 19 ancestors who were born or died in Canterbury.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Canterbury, England
We currently have information about ancestors who were married in Canterbury.
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Updated: 9/14/2023 4:16:46 PM
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