From miracles to murders, the 1200m2 of stained glass brings to life the rich, and sometimes gruesome, history of the Cathedral.
FREE-TO-VIEW EXHIBITION
Smashed, Bombed, Lost - Recovered
Tales of Canterbury’s Stained Glass
Viewing Gallery, Visitor Centre
Over the centuries, Canterbury Cathedral’s stained glass has been damaged by war and vandalism, or lost through iconoclasm, neglect or theft.
What remains of those victims of violence can be inspiring - some glass was returned to the Cathedral, some repaired or re-purposed in surprising ways.
This history of damage, restoration and resilience now inspires stained glass by a young Ukrainian artist, Yelizaveta Smirnova.
This family-friendly exhibition is available to view every day during visiting hours.
You do not need a Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ card to view this exhibition.
History in glass
Over the years, many original windows have been destroyed through reformations and wars – yet the oldest glass has lasted over 840 years, continuing to tell stories even today.
The Parable of the Sower 1180
This is an early example of an artist depicting a landscape. It shows an elegant and monumental representation of a working person doing his job.
The Siege of Canterbury 1180
The Siege of Canterbury took place in 1011 by the Danes. An eyewitness account of the event was probably known to the artist of this panel.
Portraits of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville 1482-87
Sumptuous colours, rich gold silks, and striking patterns. This stained glass portrays two of England’s most intriguing royals.
The St Anselm Window 1959
On a sunny day in the early afternoon, you can catch the stained glass projecting a multitude of beautiful colours onto the stonework next to the window.
Fascinating facts
1
The stained-glass panel in the South Window depicting Adam delving is believed to be the earliest representation of gardening in English art.
43
Surviving number of Ancestor Windows at Canterbury Cathedral- there were originally believed to be 86.
1,200m2
Canterbury Cathedral contains over 1,200 square metres of stained glass.
See it for yourself
Tickets start from £18.00, or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.
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.
The Thomas Becket Miracle Windows Conservation and Research Project
Miracles and Masterpieces
Created from 1180-1220, the Miracle Windows are eight vivid and emotive stained glass windows, of an original twelve, that surround the former site of St Thomas Becket’s shrine in the Trinity Chapel of Canterbury Cathedral.
These extraordinary survivals represent some of the best-preserved examples of early medieval stained glass remaining in the UK and indeed in Europe. They are exceptional and irreplaceable works of early Gothic art.
In 2018, the Cathedral launched a major interdisciplinary endeavour: The Thomas Becket Miracle Windows Research and Conservation Project.
Images and videos © Chapter of Canterbury Cathedral
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.
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.
