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Festival of Archaeology
at Canterbury Cathedral
Once again, as part of the CBA Festival of Archaeology, we are delighted to be hosting a range of events which share our passion for archaeology and history.
These events are for anyone who would like to explore more about these subjects; no previous knowledge is needed.
'Archaeology After Hours' Talks
Hear talks from fascinating local archaeology experts.
Address: AV Studio, Cathedral Lodge, The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2EH
£5 per person, per talk. Pre-booking required.
Suitable for ages 12+. Please note, only assistance dogs are permitted at the talks, and food and drink are not allowed.
Please note: When booking, please ensure that you have selected the correct date for the talk that you would like to attend.
An archaeology of bones and burials: Exploring life and death from human skeletal remains
with Dr Ellie Williams, Reader in Archaeology, Canterbury Christchurch University
Sunday 20 July, 16:30-17:30
In this talk Dr Ellie Williams will introduce you to the work of an osteoarchaeologist.
What happens when archaeological skeletal remains are discovered?
How can we piece together the life story of an individual from their bones?
Can we determine how they died, or how the living treated their remains afterwards?
Drawing on examples from excavations in Canterbury and Kent, Ellie will explore how ancient bones and burials offer fascinating insights into life and death in the past.
Prior Wibert’s Waterworks Plan
with Prof Paul Bennett, past Director of Canterbury Archaeological Trust, and Cressida Williams, Archives and Library Manager at Canterbury Cathedral
Wednesday 30 July, 18:30-19:30
In the mid-1160s, during Thomas Becket's tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury, a unique map was created to illustrate a new aqueduct and water system for the Cathedral and Benedictine Priory.
Ordered by Prior Wibert, this map is now part of the 12th-century Canterbury Psalter at Trinity College, Cambridge.
The map, annotated in Latin, shows the waterworks and buildings, many of which still exist today.
This lecture will explore the map and its surviving features.
Surveying the Sacred: Thoughts on Antiquarianism, Inspiration and the Power of the Past.
with Rev Dr Lesley Hardy
Friday 1 August, 18:30-19:30
Although recognised as the forerunners of archaeology, antiquarians, such as Canterbury's William Somner and John Bargrave, are often caricatured as being fusty, narrow and obsessively concerned with detail.
Nothing could be further from the truth!
In this talk Dr Lesley Hardy will explore the powerful vision that lies behind antiquarianism, its origins and its relevance today.
'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour
with members of the Cathedral Historic Graffiti Project Team
Friday 1 August, 15:00-16:00 in and around the Cathedral
This session will provide a brief talk on the ongoing project to record and share the historic graffiti across the Cathedral, followed by a tour revealing the wide variety of marks upon its walls.
£5 per person, plus a valid form of Cathedral admission.
Buy your sightseeing tickets and check valid forms of admission here.
What to expect
Address: The Precincts, Canterbury, CT1 2EH
Meeting point: Flagpole in the Precincts (enter through Christchurch Gate)
Please note that 'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour requires proof of a valid form of Cathedral admission, in addition to your talk ticket.
Photography
Audience members are politely asked not to take photos or videos during the talk; however, we welcome photography once the talk has finished.
Late Arrivals
Attendees are asked to arrive at the flagpole in the Precincts no later 15 minutes before the talk is due to start. Attendees arriving at the meeting point late and/or after the talk has begun will regrettably be denied entry.
Accessibility
We will endeavour to ensure all attendees enjoy their experience to the best of our abilities.
If you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements prior to your visit, please contact our Visits team via [email protected] / +44 (0) 1227 865279
The AV Studio has step-free access, and staff will be able to guide you to this route when you arrive.
'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour offers both a standard and step-free route.
There are wheelchair accessible toilets located in the Cathedral grounds towards the south-east end of the Lodge car park, opposite the War Horse statue, and near to the AV Studio, which will be pointed out to you on arrival for your talk.
Please note that in consideration of the health and safety regulations, only assistance dogs are allowed at the talks.
See blue badge parking information below
Refunds and Exchanges
Please be advised that once a purchase is made, we are unable to offer refunds. We may be able to offer an exchange depending on your specific situation.
We encourage you to contact our Visits Office to discuss any issues you may have, and we'll do our best to assist you. [email protected]
All sales are final, and your acquisition of a ticket for our archaeology talks signifies your acceptance of this policy and your comprehension of the inherent risks involved in such purchases.
Parking
There is no dedicated parking for this event and car parks in Canterbury will be busy.
We encourage visitors to walk or use public transport where possible. Find out more
Blue badge spaces are available within the Cathedral grounds, but these are subject to limited availability and advance booking.
Please contact our Visits team via [email protected] or +44 (0) 1227 865279 to check availability.
There are several nearby public car parks in the city centre. For more information, visit the Canterbury City Council website.
Please leave plenty of time to find parking.
Security
For the safety and security of all attendees, the event organisers reserve the right to conduct random bag checks at any time.
By entering the event premises, visitors consent to such searches and agree to cooperate with security personnel. Refusal to comply may result in denial of entry or removal from the event.
These measures are in place to ensure a safe environment for everyone, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation in advance.
Smoking
Smoking and the use of e-cigarettes are prohibited in and around the Cathedral and AV Studio. For those wishing to smoke, please speak to a member of staff who will direct you to the allocated smoking areas.
Behaviour
To ensure enjoyment for all visitors, we strictly prohibit disorderly behaviour within Cathedral premises. Disorderly conduct includes, but is not limited to, excessive noise, disruptive behaviour, damage to property, and disrespect towards other visitors or staff. Should a visitor engage in such behaviour, they will be approached by a member of our staff and politely asked to leave the premises.
We appreciate your cooperation in maintaining a safe and peaceful atmosphere at the Cathedral.
FAQs
Where will I enter and exit?
Entry will be through the Christ Church Gate, located in the Buttermarket, and you will congregate at the flagpole in the Precincts. You will need to show your talk tickets to the member of staff who will meet you at the flagpole. Then you will be escorted to the talk venue.
Please note that 'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour requires proof of a valid form of Cathedral admission, in addition to your talk ticket.
Exit will be back the way you entered.
What do I need to show when I arrive?
When you purchase your talk ticket, you will be sent an email confirmation, which serves as your ticket. Please bring this with you – either on your phone or as a printout – and show it to Cathedral staff when you arrive.
We advise that you take a screenshot of your ticket on your phone, so that you don’t have to worry about internet signal when arriving.
Be sure to check the date of your tickets/email confirmation to ensure you do not attend the wrong talk.
Please note that 'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour requires proof of a valid form of Cathedral admission, in addition to your talk ticket.
Can I arrive earlier or later than the event start time?
If you have purchased a Cathedral admission ticket or alternative form of admission, you are welcome to explore the Cathedral before the talks, during visitor opening times.
The Cathedral Precincts are open for free from 17:00 so you have the opportunity to explore the grounds before the talk, or to attend the 17:30 service of worship.
However, please note that attendees must meet at the flagpole in the Precincts no later than 15 minutes before the talk is due to start. Attendees arriving at the meeting point late and/or after the talk has begun will regrettably be denied entry.
I have purchased the wrong ticket, can I exchange it?
While we cannot offer a refund, we may be able to offer an exchange depending on your specific situation.
We encourage you to contact our Visits Office to discuss any issues you may have, and we'll do our best to assist you. [email protected]
Is the ticket price the same for all ages?
Yes, the ticket price is £5.00 per person, per talk.
Please note that 'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour requires proof of a valid form of Cathedral admission, in addition to your talk ticket.
Does my talk ticket allow me entry into the Cathedral?
No, your talk ticket will only allow you access to your chosen talk.
Please note that 'The Historic Graffiti Project at Canterbury Cathedral' Talk and Tour requires proof of a valid form of Cathedral admission, in addition to your talk ticket.
Please see ticketing information and opening times.
Do you have toilets?
Yes. There are toilets (including wheelchair accessible and baby-changing) located in the Cathedral grounds towards the south-east end of the Lodge car park, opposite the War Horse statue.
There are also toilets (including wheelchair accessible) near to the AV Studio, which will be pointed out to you on arrival for your talk.
Are dogs allowed?
Only assistance dogs are permitted at the talks.
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