We travelled from Broadstairs (where we were staying,) via train to Canterbury West Station and the journey took less than thirty minutes. It was then a short walk into the centre of the city through the West Gate. The building is the largest surviving medieval gateway. Inside is a museum in which there s a number of exhibits including sculptures of the men who signed the Magna Carta. Built during the One Hundred Year’s War it was once the City Gaol and has displays about Crime and Punishment. You can also get some great views from the top of the towers.
There is also the Roman Museum, the Kent Museum of Freemasonry and the Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. But most importantly is Canterbury Cathedral a World UNESCO site with sections dating back to the 11th century. The resting place of saints and royalty, the cathedral has medieval stained-glass windows which are the oldest in Britain. My daughter is a stained-glass artist and I have always thought that the oldest windows have the most glorious colours.
We went on a river tour starting at the Kings Bridge by the Old Weavers House. As well as rowing the boat the Guide gave us an entertaining talk about the city’s history starting with the Ducking Stool. He gave a commentary about the important architecture such as the Marlowe Theatre, the Abbot’s Mill, the Dominican Priory, Blackfriars, the Cromwellian Forge, the Alchemist Tower, Kings Mill and Greyfriars Chapel. We went under some low tunnels where we had to duck our heads and the Guide propelled the boat with his feet on the underside of the bridge!
We then went on a gentle wander around the old streets passing the Crooked Bookshop in Palace Steet before stopping for tea and cakes. All in all, we had a grand day out and would recommend Canterbury as a place to visit.
