Three women take centre stage at Canterbury Cathedral this summer

Makers, Rulers and Leaders:

Celebrating the Women of Canterbury Cathedral

This summer, an entire programme of events, talks and activities will focus on the women that have shaped Canterbury Cathedral, both past and present.

At the beginning of 2026, Dame Sarah Mullally was appointed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury - the first woman ever to hold this position. This continues a tradition of influential women who have been connected to the Cathedral and the wider city, including Queen Bertha of Kent in the 6th century and Elizabeth I during Tudor England.

And now a summer holiday programme - for families and anyone interested in history, Christianity and influential women – is being held at Canterbury Cathedral to introduce and celebrate the significant female figures linked to its history.

During her 40th birthday and 15 years into her reign, Elizabeth I (1533-1603) spent a fortnight in Canterbury during a summer progress in 1573.

Seen as the ruler that stabilised the English Reformation and paved the way for what we now recognise as Anglicanism, the Queen attended worship at the Cathedral and a banquet hosted by Archbishop Matthew Parker.

On Tuesday 7 July a special talk by Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library at Canterbury Cathedral, will delve deep into this fascinating fortnight. Illustrated with material from the Cathedral’s historic collections, the talk captures the colour and pageantry of the Elizabethan age, the intrigue of the French ambassadors who were also present and part of a decades-long mission to convince the Queen to marry a Catholic suitor. It is followed by afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant, with an optional opportunity to attend Evensong afterwards, as the Queen did herself on her visit.

A Women at the Cathedral Tour will also be held throughout the summer (Thursdays 11 & 25 June, 9 & 23 July, 6 & 20 August) shining a spotlight on the remarkable women who have shaped the Cathedral’s story across the centuries. From influential Medieval figures and pioneering benefactors to trailblazing contemporary leaders, the tour reveals the often‑overlooked contributions that have shaped the Cathedral’s spiritual, cultural, and social legacy.

And throughout the whole summer a special trail will be created in the Cathedral taking visitors to the artwork, tombs and memorials connected to women in the Cathedral’s history.

As well as musical events and other activities that are both fun and informative, this summer at Canterbury Cathedral promises to be a unique celebration of an historic chapter in the Church’s story.

Kathryn Beldon, Receiver General (Chief Operating Officer) at Canterbury Cathedral says,

“I find these women’s stories truly inspirational —each one a powerful reminder of how faith, courage and determination can shape history. This summer , we are inviting visitors to experience history and leave feeling inspired by the lasting impact these remarkable women continue to have today.”