Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral
source
Name	Canterbury Cathedral
Location	Canterbury, Kent, England
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England
Tradition	Anglican
Website	[https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/](https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/)

Canterbury Cathedral, formally known as the '''Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Augustine of Canterbury**, is a Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, England. It is one of the oldest and most famous Christian buildings in England, and has been the Cathedral of the Church of England since the English Reformation in the 16th century. The Cathedral is located in the heart of Canterbury, near the River Stour, and is a prominent landmark in the city. It has been the site of numerous significant events in English history, including the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170.

History

The Cathedral was founded in 597 by St. Augustine of Canterbury, a Benedictine monk sent from Rome to England to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The original church was built in the Romanesque style, but it was rebuilt and expanded over the centuries in various styles, including Gothic and Perpendicular Gothic. The Cathedral has been the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the spiritual leader of the Church of England, since the 7th century. In 1170, Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was murdered in the Cathedral by four knights of King Henry II, leading to a major pilgrimage to the site.

Architecture

The Cathedral's architecture is a testament to its long and complex history. The building features a range of styles, from the Romanesque nave and transept to the Gothic choir and Lady Chapel. The Cathedral's most distinctive feature is its **Bell Harry Tower**, a 75-meter-tall Perpendicular Gothic tower built in the 15th century. The tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Canterbury and offers stunning views of the city. The Cathedral also features an impressive collection of stained glass windows, including the famous Great Window.

Significance in Christianity

Canterbury Cathedral is one of the most important Christian sites in England, and has played a significant role in the country's Christian heritage. The Cathedral has been the site of numerous significant events in Christian history, including the council of Canterbury in 675, which established the province of Canterbury. The Cathedral is also home to the Shrine of Thomas Becket, which has been a major pilgrimage site since the 12th century.

Treasures and artifacts

The Cathedral is home to an impressive collection of art and antiquities, including the **Gold and silver altar plate**, **Illuminated manuscripts**, and **Sculptures**. The Cathedral also features a range of tombs and memorials, including those of Thomas Becket, Henry VIII, and Queen Anne. One of the Cathedral's most famous treasures is the **Canterbury Psalter**, a 13th-century illuminated manuscript that features stunning calligraphy and illustrations.

Deans and clergy

The Cathedral has been led by a series of Deans of Canterbury, who have played a significant role in the Church of England. Notable Deans include John Morton, who later became Archbishop of Canterbury, and George Bell, who was a prominent theologian and ecumenist. The Cathedral has also been home to numerous notable clergy, including Thomas Becket, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his death in 1170.

Cultural references

Canterbury Cathedral has appeared in numerous works of literature and art, including Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, which features a group of pilgrims traveling to the Cathedral. The Cathedral has also been the subject of numerous paintings, including works by J.M.W. Turner and John Constable. In music, the Cathedral has been featured in works by Benjamin Britten, who composed the **Canticle of St. Michael** for the Cathedral's choir. Category:Canterbury Cathedral