The Secrets of Canterbury Cathedral

(Image courtesy of Canterbury Cathedral)

5th October 2021

By Elle Summers

The start of first term marks an exciting time for many of us, with either us older students running ourselves into the ground as we try to re-live our fresher days, or with the freshers settling in and getting used to being in a new city. With ‘Freedom Day’ well and truly behind us, I think it is safe to say that the want to return to a complete normal suddenly seems very within our reach. The past 18 months has meant that unfortunately, many of the current UKC student population has not had the opportunity to explore the beautiful city we now all call home. So, I implore you, set down those pens and notebooks momentarily, give your liver a couple of hours away from the booze, head on down the hill and explore all the city has to offer.

With winding river walks, the Kent Downs not that far away, cute coffee shops and amazing parts of living history, there is something for everyone to explore as we hang onto the summer sun for the last few days of September. But for now, let me tell you about what is easily Canterbury’s most iconic building – its Cathedral.

Situated in the heart of our beloved city, the Cathedral stands at 72 metres high, marking the skyline which you can see from campus. If you head on into town through the Westgate Towers and carry on in a straight line until you get to Jack Wills, take a left and you’ll be outside the entrance, just around the corner from The Drapers Arms and The Chocolate Café – both of which I highly recommend! Now here comes the best part of this, entrance for all UKC students is completely free! Just flash your Kent One card at the entrance and you’re good to go. Alternatively, you can book onto a tour around the Cathedral for just £5 to discover its great history.

(Image courtesy of Unsplash)

Once inside, the marvel of the buildings speaks for itself, but here are some fun facts about the Cathedral and the treasures it holds…

• St Augustine founded the first Cathedral in 600AD

• The Cathedral was built in stone by the Normans, using creamy white Caen stone imported from France

• Canterbury Cathedral had one of medieval Britain’s first running water supplies, even flushing the monk’s toilets

• Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170, having the top of his skull sliced off by four knights. He soon after became a saint in 1173, resulting in thousands of medieval pilgrims flocking to his shrine

• The Cathedral was nearly destroyed in 1174 when sparks set fire to the roof and burnt down the Quire

• It costs roughly £18,000 per days to keep the Cathedral as safe and as beautiful as it currently is

Whilst in the Cathedral, you can also pay a visit to the shrine to Thomas Becket. It is believed that over 100,000 pilgrims would have visited the shrine every year since it was first constructed. Yet, in 1538 due to the Reformation, King Henry VIII gave orders for it to be totally destroyed. Today, you may still see a shrine, which has been digitally reconstructed by using CGI last year.

If you do venture into town to marvel at the beautiful sights of the Cathedral, let us know what you thought about it! Also, be sure to share any recommendations you have about your visit or the key places in the city.