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flag  History of Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

Journey back in time to Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

(East Canterbury)

Explore Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA! Uncover its rich history and discover the stories of the people who once called it home. Dive into old newspaper articles, vintage pictures, postcards, and genealogy to learn more about this fascinating town.

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Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Shaker Church, built 1789, Canterbury, N.H.

First granted in 1727, the town was named for William Wake, Archbishop of Canterbury. Canterbury in England is famous for its cathedral, and for being the center of English Christianity since 597 AD. The town was originally a fort or trading post where the Penacook Indians came to trade.

The Canterbury Shaker Village is in the eastern part of the town.

nhes.nh.gov



Explore even more about Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA. Keep reading!



Canterbury Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards

Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Shaker Church, built 1789, Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Shaker Church, built 1789, Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - Main Dwelling, Built 1793, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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Main Dwelling, Built 1793, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - A Village View, Shakers, E. Canterbury, N.H., 1905
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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A Village View, Shakers, E. Canterbury, N.H., 1905
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Old Monmouth House, Canterbury, N.H., 1905
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Old Monmouth House, Canterbury, N.H., 1905
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - Canterbury Depot, N.H., 1908
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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Canterbury Depot, N.H., 1908
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Office. The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H., 1910
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Office. The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H., 1910
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Old Hill Tavern, Hill's Corner, Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Old Hill Tavern, Hill's Corner, Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Centre School, Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Centre School, Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Parsonage, Canterbury, N.H., 1915
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Parsonage, Canterbury, N.H., 1915
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Chapel, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Chapel, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Family Garden, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Family Garden, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - Family Dining Room, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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Family Dining Room, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - The Shelter, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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The Shelter, The Shakers, East Canterbury, N.H.
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - Canterbury Depot, N.H., 1926
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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Canterbury Depot, N.H., 1926
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA - General View of Village. The Shakers. East Canterbury, N.H., 1935
Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

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General View of Village. The Shakers. East Canterbury, N.H., 1935

Discover Unique Gift Ideas and Genealogy Resources From or Related to CANTERBURY

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I Love NEW HAMPSHIRE Mug – Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins & Maple Syrup Coffee Cup

Celebrate cozy New Hampshire autumns with every sip! The I Love New Hampshire Mug features charming illustrations of Apple Cider Donuts, Pumpkins, and Maple Syrup, capturing the essence of fall in the Granite State.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Arrival of Trains at Base of Mt. Washington, NH – Postcard Ceramic Mug

Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the Arrival of Trains at the base of Mt. Washington, NH, captured in exquisite detail as featured in a postcard from over 100 years ago!

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Mt. Washington Aluminum Bookmark – "Climb High, Stay on Track" with Historic Postcard Images

Mark your place in style with this Mt. Washington aluminum bookmark, featuring stunning images from vintage postcards and the inspirational slogan: "Climb High, Stay on Track – Mt. Washington, NH." A perfect keepsake for book lovers, history buffs, and White Mountains enthusiasts, this durable and lightweight bookmark captures the charm and adventure of New Hampshire’s most iconic peak.

NEW HAMPSHIRE - Mt. Washington Coffee Mug - Historic Postcard Images of Mt. Washington & Cog Railway

Climb to the Clouds - Mt. Washington & the Historic Cog Railway! Sip your favorite brew while enjoying a nostalgic journey through the White Mountains with this ceramic coffee mug featuring vintage postcard images of Mt. Washington, NH, and the legendary Mt. Washington Cog Railway.

Discover Canterbury: History, News, Travel, and Stories

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1839 - Canterbury
Canterbury, New Hampshire
Merrimack county. Canterbury, though an uneven township, is not mountainous. The soil is generally good; the more uneven parts affording excellent pasturage. There are no large streams in this town, but several ponds give rise to smaller streams, furnishing good mill sites, and near which are cut great quantities of hay. Two bridges over the Merrimack connect this town with Boscawen. The town was settled about 1727, and for a long time the inhabitants were exposed to the inroads of the savages. The husbandman cleared and tilled his land under the protection of a guard, uncertain whether the seed he committed to the ground might not be watered by his blood, or that of an enemy. Canterbury lies 8 miles N. from Concord. Population, 1836, 1663.

The Hon. Abiel Foster deserves a particular notice. He possessed in a great degree the esteem and confidence of the people; and soon after he left the pastoral care of the church, he was called to arduous duties as a... Read MORE...

1895 - Canterbury
Canterbury, a post-hamlet of Merrimac co., N.H., in Canterbury township, on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, 10 miles N. of Concord. The township is bounded on the W. by the Merrimac River. It has 4 churches. Pop. 1169.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Canterbury and its surrounding areas:
Canterbury Shaker Village: Start your exploration of Canterbury with a visit to the Canterbury Shaker Village. This historic site preserves the legacy of the Shakers, a religious community known for their craftsmanship and simple way of life. Take a guided tour to learn about their history, architecture, and view beautifully restored buildings and gardens.

Canterbury Center: Stroll through the picturesque Canterbury Center, where you'll find well-preserved colonial-era homes, a lovely common, and a historical museum. This area provides a glimpse into Canterbury's rich history and New England's colonial past.

Meetinghouse Pond: Enjoy a leisurely walk around Meetinghouse Pond, a serene and scenic spot in the heart of Canterbury. The pond is perfect for picnics, birdwatching, and fishing. In the winter, it's a popular spot for ice skating.

Elkins Public Library: If you're a book lover, make sure to stop by the Elkins Public Library. It's a cozy and welcoming place to read,... Read MORE...

Discover YOUR Roots: Canterbury Ancestry

Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA

We currently have information about 7 ancestors who were born or died in Canterbury.

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Updated: 1/17/2025 4:01:21 PM