Canterbury Cathedral

Canterbury Cathedral
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Name	Canterbury Cathedral
Architect	Augustine of Canterbury, Ernulf, William of Sens

Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England, attracting visitors from around the world, including Pope Benedict XVI and Queen Elizabeth II. The cathedral has been the Archbishop of Canterbury's principal Anglican church since the Reformation, and it is the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion, which includes the Church of England, the Episcopal Church in the United States, and the Anglican Church of Australia. The cathedral is also closely associated with Thomas Becket, who was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his assassination in 1170, and with other notable figures, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Christopher Marlowe, and Charles Dickens.

● History

The history of the cathedral dates back to the 7th century, when Augustine of Canterbury was sent to England by Pope Gregory I to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The cathedral was built on the site of a Roman church, and it has undergone numerous transformations and restorations over the centuries, including a major rebuilding project led by Ernulf in the 11th century and a renovation project led by William of Sens in the 12th century. The cathedral has been an important center of Christian worship and pilgrimage, particularly during the Middle Ages, when it was a major stop on the Way of St. James pilgrimage route, which also included stops at Rouen Cathedral, Chartres Cathedral, and Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. The cathedral has also been the site of numerous significant events, including the Coronation of Charles I and the Funeral of Charles Dickens, which was attended by Prince Albert and Florence Nightingale.

● Architecture

The architecture of the cathedral is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with a nave and transept that date back to the 11th century and a choir and apse that were added in the 12th century. The cathedral's design was influenced by other notable buildings, including Notre-Dame de Paris, Chartres Cathedral, and Rouen Cathedral, and it features a number of distinctive architectural elements, including a central tower and a rose window. The cathedral's architecture has been praised by numerous notable figures, including John Ruskin, Augustus Pugin, and Nikolaus Pevsner, who have noted its beauty and historical significance. The cathedral is also home to a number of important artworks, including stained glass windows designed by John Piper and Patrick Reyntiens, and a font designed by Benedict Williamson.

● Dean and Chapter

The cathedral is governed by a Dean and Chapter, which is responsible for its administration and upkeep. The Dean of Canterbury is the chief administrator of the cathedral, and is assisted by a number of other officials, including the Precentor, the Treasurer, and the Succentor. The cathedral is also home to a number of other organizations, including the King's School, Canterbury, which was founded in 597 by Augustine of Canterbury, and the Canterbury Cathedral Choir, which is one of the oldest and most renowned choirs in the world, and has performed with numerous notable conductors, including George Guest, David Willcocks, and Stephen Cleobury. The cathedral has also been associated with a number of notable figures, including Christopher Wren, Inigo Jones, and Joshua Reynolds, who have all made significant contributions to its architecture and art.

● Worship and Tourism

The cathedral is an important center of Christian worship, and it offers a number of services and events throughout the year, including Eucharist, Evensong, and Vespers. The cathedral is also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year, including pilgrims who come to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, which is located in the Trinity Chapel. The cathedral has been visited by numerous notable figures, including Pope John Paul II, Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, and Nelson Mandela, who have all praised its beauty and historical significance. The cathedral is also home to a number of important artifacts, including the Canterbury Gospels, which date back to the 6th century, and the St. Augustine's Chair, which is said to have been used by Augustine of Canterbury.

● Conservation and Restoration

The cathedral has undergone numerous conservation and restoration projects over the years, including a major restoration project led by Evelyn Webb in the 19th century and a conservation project led by John Larson in the 20th century. The cathedral is also home to a number of important conservation organizations, including the Canterbury Cathedral Trust, which was founded in 1974 to support the conservation and restoration of the cathedral, and the World Monuments Fund, which has provided funding for a number of conservation projects at the cathedral. The cathedral has also been recognized for its conservation efforts, including being awarded the Europa Nostra award in 2007 and the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2010.

● Burials and Memorials

The cathedral is the final resting place of a number of notable figures, including Thomas Becket, Henry IV of England, and Edward Plantagenet, and it is also home to a number of important memorials, including the War Memorial, which commemorates the dead of World War I and World War II, and the Memorial to the Martyrs, which commemorates the martyrs of the Reformation. The cathedral has also been the site of numerous state funerals, including the Funeral of Princess Diana, which was attended by Tony Blair and Bill Clinton, and the Funeral of Baroness Thatcher, which was attended by Queen Elizabeth II and David Cameron. The cathedral is also home to a number of important tombs, including the Tomb of Henry IV and the Tomb of Edward Plantagenet, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of medieval sculpture in England.

Category:Churches in England