The impressive architecture of Canterbury Cathedral has been crafted through hundreds of years of building and rebuilding, altering with each change of style within the medieval period.
Centuries of skill and dedication: Stonemasons at Canterbury Cathedral
Stone has been shaped in the precincts of Canterbury Cathedral for more than a thousand years.
The art of masonry requires a deep understanding of materials, using techniques that have been developed and passed down through the generations.
The Cathedral’s current team of skilled masons use precisely the same knowledge and methodologies as their early medieval counterparts. Their templates, chisels and hammers would be instantly recognisable to any mason through the ages, and this commitment to ancient technique supports the complex and intricate work of conserving stone at the Cathedral.
Images: Stonemasons undertaking restoration work on Christ Church Gate, circa 1920. I From the Cathedral Archives © Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral
Things to discover
On top of the remains of a small Saxon church, the earliest parts of the Cathedral were built in the 1070s as a place of worship. In 1174 a fire led to a major rebuild where a master stonemason brought new techniques from France to Canterbury. Throughout the years changing fashions led to various other rebuilds, which can be seen today.
Buttresses – Outside the Cathedral
These small walls sit at right angles, helping to keep the walls straight and stop them gradually pushing outwards.
Fan vaulting – Bell Harry Tower
When standing at the top of the pulpitum steps, look up into the Bell Harry Tower and see the beautiful vaulting above.
Row of three arches – South-east transept
These three arches highlight the changing styles of architecture. Originally thought to be three Romanesque (rounded) arches, the third has been re-carved in the early gothic style.
Romanesque arches – Western Crypt
The western crypt is the oldest part of the existing building, including examples of the magnificent Romanesque arches which were popular at the time.
Book your tickets now
Tickets start from £18.00 - valid for a year, with unlimited return visits included.
Get free entry with a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card, plus other concessions available, with a valid proof of eligibility.
Group visits and school visits must be booked separately; KIDS GO FREE offer does not apply to group or school visits.
Fascinating facts
9
The number of our dedicated, talented and highly skilled stained glass conservators who work their magic to restore and conserve the Cathedral’s magnificent stained glass.
The team also design and create new works, illustrating the Cathedral’s living legacy.
Come and marvel at the Cathedral’s 150 or so stained glass windows.
13
The Cathedral is served by 13 incredibly talented stonemasons, including one apprentice.
Our stonemasons are highly skilled craftspeople whose work compliments the spirit and sensitivity of the building, and their work continues a tradition and legacy which dates right back to 597.
40
It takes approximately 40 tonnes of stone a year to maintain the Cathedral.
We use Caen and Lepine stone, which is French limestone, continuing the medieval tradition.
Medieval stonemasons created ‘mason marks’: a combination of their initials on each piece of stone to prove what they’d worked on.
Our stonemasons still use their own mason’s marks today.
Guided tours
Our guided tours are the perfect way to discover the Cathedral’s amazing history, spaces, and secrets.
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
Only £5 per person, plus admission charge. Book at our Visitor Centre.
Stained Glass Windows Tour
Did you know that some stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world? Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates for this and other specialist tours are added regularly.
Precincts and Gardens Tour
Explore the Cathedral Precincts to find traces of the lives of the monks who were the site’s early inhabitants and discover our beautiful public gardens while learning how these spaces, created over centuries, are still used and tended by our gardening team today.
£5 per person, plus admission charge.
New dates for this and other specialist tours are added regularly.
