A Historians Dream Is Canterbury – Kent
A staggering countryside and a beautiful coastal area can be found in Canterbury – Kent where visitors will enjoy a host of interests. One will be inspired and just love this exceptional countryside and visitors can soak up the unique heritage and history of Canterbury – Kent. There are World Heritage Sites such as 2 castles and six museums for tourists to visit.
Dating back to the prehistoric period archeological diggings found Paleolithic axes and pots from the Bronze Age and also Neolithic axes. During the first century AD the Romans occupied Canterbury and during their stay they rebuilt it and prior to the Romans it was mainly occupied by Celtic tribes.
The Canterbury Tales come from as far back as when Thomas Becket’s murder took place in the Canterbury Cathedral around 1170 and this cathedral was originally founded by St Augustine in 597 of which he became the very first Archbishop. Canterbury Cathedral around that time became home to Christian pilgrims from around the world.
Many of the historical structures can still be viewed such as the 14th century ruins of St Augustine’s Abby and the Norman Castle as well as The King’s School which is probably one of the oldest in England. Canterbury is a historian’s paradise.
The Anglo Saxons took over Canterbury in 842 up until 851 once the Romans fled in 410 AD During this time the Danish attached and raided Canterbury on several occasions leaving many dead and during one of the attacks in 1011 the Danish burnt and demolished the cathedral. Canterbury was again invaded in 1066 by William the Conqueror who in turn built a bailey castle and mote around the city for protection.
Many of the latter day saints are associated with Canterbury such as St Mellitus, St Anselm, St Augustine and St Alphege and many more. The Black Death wiped out almost the entire population which at that time was the tenth largest in England. The famous cathedral which took 400 hundred years to complete houses the body of Henry IV who was buried there in 1413. This beautiful city has survived many wars.
Visitors will note that there are still many timber framed houses in Canterbury dating back to around the 16th and 17th century and one can see the Old Weaver’s House as well as the house which was one St Martin’s Mill. There are also exceptional shops in Canterbury and visitors can have an exceptional shopping opportunity as well as the night life in Canterbury – Kent is most enjoyable and lively allowing one to frequent one of the many pubs and bars as well as have a really good meal.
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