The knight, the miller, the pardoner, the spouse of Bathtub. These well-known characters all have starring roles within the 14th-century basic “The Canterbury Tales,” written, in fact, by Geoffrey Chaucer and that includes the members of a fictional pilgrimage from London to Canterbury Cathedral within the English county of Kent.
Positioned 67 miles from London within the far southeast nook of England and alongside the banks of the River Stour, Canterbury is the epitome of an historic metropolis. Roman partitions circle the city’s medieval middle, and its cobblestone streets and timber-framed homes evoke earlier instances. The principle attraction is the Canterbury Cathedral, which works again a lot farther in time, to 597 A.D., and right this moment it’s the headquarters of the Church of England.
There’s loads to see and do in Canterbury, however a day journey permits guests to see the highest historic sights, benefit from the space’s parks and woodlands, have a pleasant meal, and browse the city’s many distinctive retailers.
Be taught About Canterbury Cathedral’s Storied Previous
Canterbury Cathedral is one among three UNESCO World Heritage Websites in Canterbury, together with St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s Church. The cathedral is mostly open for excursions day by day, and grownup entry prices about $16. Kids 17 and youthful are admitted free. Guests can wander round on their very own or take a guided tour that prices a further $6. Guides clarify the historical past of the cathedral and its grounds and gardens.
Its story started within the Sixth century when the missionary St. Augustine was despatched from Rome to transform the English to Christianity. He settled throughout the Roman partitions of what turned Canterbury, and based a cathedra – a bishop’s seat, primarily, and that was the beginning of Canterbury Cathedral. In later centuries the location functioned as a Benedictine monastery and within the eleventh century was the location of the homicide of Archbishop Thomas Becket, who King Henry II had complained was a meddlesome priest.
Together with its mixture of Romanesque and Early Gothic structure, the cathedral options one among England’s largest collections of medieval stained glass from the tenth and eleventh centuries, and guests can see a Twelfth-century water tower that also works.
Strolling Path Showcases Three Heritage Websites
Vacationers can hyperlink the cathedral with the city’s two different World Heritage Websites, St Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church, alongside a route known as Queen Bertha’s Stroll. The Sixth-century queen is claimed to have impressed her husband, King Ethelbert, to transform to Christianity.
The stroll begins outdoors Canterbury Cathedral, is marked, and has 14 bronze plaques guests can take a look at alongside the way in which. St. Augustine’s Abbey was a burial web site for Anglo-Saxon kings, whereas St. Martin’s Church dates to the Sixth century.
Canterbury Affords Distinctive Retailers, Conventional Pubs
Canterbury’s eating places and distinctive retailers beckon at mid-day, and there are loads to select from. With the city’s literary historical past, customers may be inclined to go to the Chaucer Bookshop, positioned on Beer Cart Lane inside an 18th-century constructing. It sells antiquarian and second-hand books, plus many modern books in regards to the Kent area.
The Canterbury Cathedral Store, on Burgate, sells all-things-cathedral, together with items and souvenirs, books and CDs, so-called pilgrim’s badges, and plenty of regionally made items. At Canterbury Glass Artwork, guests can browse amongst distinctive glass objects and may watch artists at work. It is positioned on Palace Road.
Conventional English pub meals is obtainable at Fordwich Arms Pub on King Road, the place guests can dine within the Georgian constructing that options two fireplaces. The Black Griffin Pub, on St. Peter’s Road, provides pub fare and stay music. These on the lookout for a extra upscale choice can try Cafe Rouge, positioned on Longmarket and serving basic French delicacies. After which there’s Tiny Tim’s Tea Room, on St. Margaret’s Road, which is a Thirties-inspired tea room serving breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
Take An Afternoon Stroll In Canterbury’s Woodlands
It is simple to take pleasure in nature on a day journey to Canterbury. Together with a number of parks and woodland trails, guests can go for a guided boat tour on the River Stour or hire a canoe and set out alone. However for many who wish to stroll historic woods, Canterbury has nice decisions.
Blean Woods Nationwide Nature Reserve provides 1,200 acres of woods and heath and five nature trails guests can comply with. The Brown Path is the shortest route, just below one mile, whereas the Black Path is eight miles. The others are of various lengths and have woods, forests, glades, and heaths, plus all kinds of birds, together with woodpeckers and nightingales. The reserve is accessible by automobile or public bus from Canterbury middle, and there’s no admission cost.
Nearer to city, guests can stroll via Dane John Gardens, a historic park contained in the city partitions. The gardens are stated so far from the first century when the land was a Roman cemetery and burial floor. Later it held a medieval fort earlier than being donated to Canterbury within the early 1800s. Walkers can hike to the highest of a mound and luxuriate in views of Canterbury. There isn’t any entry charge.
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