Makers, Rulers and Leaders:
Celebrating the Women of Canterbury Cathedral
Our summer theme, Makers, Rulers and Leaders, is a season dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the remarkable women who shaped the Cathedral’s past.
For more than fourteen centuries, the Cathedral has risen above the city like a great stone chronicle, its towers etched with triumphs, trials, and transformations. Pilgrims, Kings, Archbishops, rebels, poets; all have walked its worn paths. Woven through these grand narratives is a strong resilient thread: the legacy of women whose influence, devotion, creativity, and courage have guided the Cathedral’s evolution in ways both subtle and bold.
This summer, we invite visitors to step into their stories and discover these figures who helped shape one of England’s most iconic sacred spaces.
This year’s programme brings focus to three women whose stories reveal the depth and diversity of Canterbury’s past.
At the forefront is Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally, honoured in Leadership. Her journey from nurse to Archbishop reflects a modern form of ministry grounded in compassion, inclusion, and courage.
Queen Bertha of Kent, whose Christian faith travelled with her from the Frankish world, stands at the Foundations of Faith. Even before Augustine arrived in 597, sent from Rome as a missionary to convert the English, her fortitude and devotion helped create the conditions in which Christianity could take root in Kent, and ultimately spread across England.
And for royalty, Queen Elizabeth I, visiting nearly a millennium later, represents Royalty at a moment of national transformation. Her 1573 visit affirmed her authority over the Church and helped shape the Cathedral’s identity after the upheavals of the Reformation.
Together, these women show how female influence, quiet or commanding, has continually shaped, protected, and re‑imagined this sacred place across the centuries.
Visitors can look forward to a season filled with inspiring events and activities. Expect thought‑provoking talks led by pioneering women in leadership making a difference today, alongside sessions that uncover the stories of the women whose footsteps laid the path before them. Families can enjoy creative crafts and interactive trails, and we will celebrate women’s voices through collaborations with city partners and festivals across the UK.
With all this, and more, join us for a celebration of history, creativity, and the extraordinary women who continue to shape our world.
Themed talks and tours
FREE* MINI TALKS
Wednesday Women’s Tales
Wednesdays in June, July & August - Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
15-minute themed mini talks focusing on women’s stories at Canterbury Cathedral.
Covering everything from the tale of Queen Bertha, who welcomed St Augustine to Canterbury in 597; through to Queen Elizabeth II’s cathedral connections, immortalised in stone, glass and paint.
Our talks will also encompass stories of some of the women who have helped shape the cathedral’s fabric; from Mother Concordia who created some of the beautiful sculptures, through to stories of the ladies who created the beautiful vestments and altar coverings.
Ask at our Visitor Centre for times on the day.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Kids go FREE every day! (T&Cs apply); does not apply to group bookings or school visits.
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
Queen Bertha's Walk
Dates in June, July & August
A guided walk tracing Queen Bertha’s footsteps through Canterbury to the Cathedral, highlighting her pivotal role in laying the foundations of Christian worship in Kent.
Retrace the daily walk Queen Bertha of Kent took from St Martin’s Church, via St Augustine’s Abbey to Canterbury Cathedral, and learn about the re-introduction of Christianity to this part of the world by St Augustine in the 6th century as you pass other historic landmarks along the way; concluding with a short visit inside the Cathedral to complete the story.
Dates:
- Friday 5 June, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 3 July, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 7 August, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 4 September, 11:00-12:30
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
SPECIAL THEMED TOUR
Women of Canterbury Cathedral
Dates in June, July & August
Learn about the remarkable women who have shaped the Cathedral’s story across the centuries.
From influential medieval figures and pioneering benefactors, to trailblazing contemporary leaders, this tour reveals the often overlooked contributions that have shaped the Cathedral’s spiritual, cultural, and social legacy.
Dates:
- Thursdays 11 & 25 June, 11:15-12:30
- Thursdays 9 & 23 July, 11:15-12:30
- Thursdays 6 & 20 August, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
SPECIAL EVENT AT THE LODGE
Queen Elizabeth on Tour - Talk and Afternoon Tea
Tuesday 7 July, 14:15-17:00
In this illustrated talk, Cressida Williams, Cathedral Archivist, will discuss the fortnight-long stay of Elizabeth I in Canterbury in the summer of 1573. This was a momentous event in the history of the Cathedral and city. The Queen attended the Cathedral for worship and Archbishop Matthew Parker held a lavish 40th birthday banquet.
This talk will be illustrated with examples from the Cathedral’s historic collections and will capture some of the colour and glamour of the Elizabethan age, followed by afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant.
£28 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Booking essential.
All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked. Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.
Family-friendly activities
Enjoy six weeks of free* family-friendly crafts and activities, inspired by the history of women of Canterbury Cathedral, plus a special week of activities linked to our new art exhibition Sacred Resonance, and more!
Week 1: Mon 20 - Fri 24 July
Week 2: Mon 27 - Fri 31 July
Week 3: Mon 3 - Fri 7 Aug
Week 4: Mon 10 - Fri 14 Aug
Week 5: Mon 17 - Fri 21 Aug
Week 6: Mon 24 - Fri 28 Aug
Full details to be announced soon
Storytelling at the Cathedral
Canterbury Children's Literature Festival
Friday 10 - Sunday 12 July
Enjoy an amazing programme of events, celebrating stories in all their forms, for children of all ages.
We are pleased to be hosting three storytelling events at Canterbury Cathedral over this weekend.
The Laugh with Fay Evans
Friday 10 July, 3.30pm in the Viewing Gallery
In this story time and activity session, join Fay Evans (author of The Laugh and Editorial Director of Flying Eye Books) to explore the importance of our emotions and honesty.
After a read-through of The Laugh, attendees will participate in a sunflowercraft session, decorating their flowers with the things that are important to them and discussing how being open about our emotions is helpful.
This session emphasises the importance of creativity and expressing emotions for young people!
Recommended age 3+
Tickets for this event are pay as you feel, but please note that each person attending will need a ticket.
Midnight Puzzlers with Liz Frost
Saturday 11 July, 2pm in the Community Studio
Jaya has found herself locked in the Museum at night. Can you help her solve the puzzles and crack the codes to get her out?
Join Enigmatologist Sue Clue from ‘International Code Breakers Inc,’ (AKA Storyteller Liz Fost) in a fun filled training session for all budding puzzle solvers and code crackers.
Recommended age 7-12.
Please note that entry to this event is included free with tickets to Canterbury Cathedral. Please enquire about the event when buying your tickets for all of the details. If you are a Precincts Pass or annual ticket holder you can email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Tilda's Journey in the Jungle with Nicola A Lewis
Sunday 12 July, 3.30pm in the Viewing Gallery
From the award winning picture book series of Tilda, Tilda's Journey in the Jungle is one of kindness and a celebration of being YOU!
Join in the fun as the fairy waves her wand and blows some fairy dust ''Please join our jungle journey, Please come you simply must!"
Explore Tilda's world with puppets, music and audience participation! Make your own magic wand and become part of the story.
Recommended age 2+
Tickets for this event are pay as you feel, but please note that each person attending will need a ticket.
Book your tickets now
Tickets start from £18.00 - valid for a year, with unlimited return visits included - and Kids Go Free every day! (T&Cs apply)
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.
