Friends’ Day 2020

19th September 2020 Friends’ Day is one of the most important days in the Friends’ calendar. We may not be able to gather together in the Precincts this year to celebrate our Cathedral but we can still link up online. read more...

Employment

The Cathedral is a working, living church which maintains a tradition of welcome and worship that has been practised here for over 1,400 years. We employ more than 300 staff who are supported by more than 600+ dedicated volunteers. read more...

Picture This…

Picture This features images from a wealth of manuscripts, printed books and objects and provides a fascinating insight into the treasures of the Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library. read more...

Music List & Notice Sheet

Music is an integral part of our worship and the Cathedral takes great pride in the music performed at its services. The fortnightly Music List gives details of the music performed at Cathedral services, as well as names of choirs, preachers and where the service will take place. The weekly Notice Sheets give details of the Sunday service, as well as congregational activities and events. read more...

Girls’ Choir Application Form

Please complete all sections of the form below. Girls will be expected to do the following at interview: Sing one accompanied piece of own choice Sing one unaccompanied piece of own choice Sight-read a given passage Undertake simple ear tests, including recognising intervals played on the piano and picking out notes from a chord. read more...

The Friends’ Calendar

The Friends have a busy events programme which includes day trips as well as events within The Precincts. From theatre outings to guided tours and regular talks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. read more...

The Ancestors Exhibition

The Ancestors exhibition in 2015 (now closed) showed a series of life-size figures representing the Ancestors of Christ, which date to the 12th and early 13th centuries. These beautiful examples of medieval stained glass were temporarily removed from the Cathedral's Great South Window, while conservation work was carried out on its crumbling stonework. read more...

1,400 Years of History

The origins of Canterbury Cathedral go back to 597AD when Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great, arrived on the coast of Kent as a missionary. read more...

Holy Communion

Holy Communion (also known as the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper or the Mass) is celebrated daily at the Cathedral. read more...

Public Events at Canterbury Cathedral

Here you will find details of our main public events. To see details of all events and services, check the Calendar View. read more...

Arts Award

Canterbury Cathedral is now recognised as an Arts Award supporter. read more...

Heritage

The Canterbury Journey will address the urgent restoration needs of several key areas of the Cathedral to conserve and safeguard this important part of our heritage. The Nave and West Tower The Nave was designed in the late 14th-century and recent inspections tell us that the roof coverings are weakening and there are issues with water drainage. read more...

People

Throughout the restoration works, there will be opportunities for the community and visitors to learn about the conservation work and chart the progress of the project through a variety of ways including viewing spaces, visual displays and interpretation and an online journal of work. read more...

Communities

The new Welcome Centre will be the first point of contact for those visiting the Cathedral. Offering improved reception, it is the link from city to the Cathedral, its heritage, historic collections and environment. read more...

Physical Works

There are a lot of changes happening across the Cathedral site, but at the end of it all, the Cathedral will have a water-tight (and safe) roof to the Nave, improved landscaping and accessibility, new interpretation, new visitor facilities and community spaces. read more...

The Canterbury Journey Timeline

See below for a timeline of the physical works that are happening in relation to The Canterbury Journey – please note times are subject to change and variance due to the needs of the Cathedral as a place of worship first and foremost and any archaeological finds/external factors beyond our control. read more...

Artist in Residence

Each year as part of The Canterbury Journey, the Cathedral will provide an annual Artist in Residence opportunity at the Cathedral for the duration of the project. Artist in Residence 2017-18 Our first appointee is artist, print maker and archivist, Dawn Cole, who will be working with the Learning & Participation team and Schools Department. read more...

Volunteer Opportunities

We are seeking outgoing and enthusiastic volunteers to join the Cathedral volunteer team to assist with some exciting and engaging projects. read more...

90th Anniversary Celebrations

The Friends are the oldest organisation of its kind in the UK and celebrated 90 years of commitment and fundraising in 2017. A number of exciting events took place to commemorate The Friends’ achievements and celebrate our community. read more...

The Cathedral Organ Project

Surveys have shown that the main organ, housed in the Quire at the East end of the Cathedral, is in a poor condition and in urgent need of restoration. Air-tight seals are failing and some notes unplayable to such an extent that this once fine ‘Father’ Willis organ is now a shadow of its former self. Working with celebrated organ builders Harrison & Harrison Ltd, we will be restoring and enhancing the instrument... read more...

Gargoyle Gallery

read more...

Privacy Notice

Canterbury Cathedral is committed to safeguarding and preserving the privacy of the individuals and organisations we deal with in line with the legislation set out under the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) and European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Our objective is to be fair, open and transparent about the data we collect. read more...

The Art of the Lost: Conference 2019

27-29 November 2019 We are delighted to announce that tickets for Canterbury Cathedral’s conservation and collections conference, Art of the Lost: discussing the future of the past (27-29 November 2019) are now on sale. read more...

New Organ Installed

The new Canterbury Cathedral Organ is now fully installed, with new pipes fitted on either side of the Quire set in the North and South Triforium spaces. The £4.2 million funding came from The Organ Project and donations from The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral. read more...

Holy Week and Easter 2020

Easter is a great feast of music and liturgy when we enter into the story of the road to the cross and the joy of resurrection. read more...

Donate

The miracle is that this Cathedral was built by ordinary men and women like ourselves. It is our responsibility to hand that inheritance into the future. Victor De Waal, Dean of Canterbury (1977) The coronavirus crisis means that we need your support more than ever. read more...

A History of Canterbury Cathedral in 20 Documents

The Cathedral Archives and Library holds a rich collection of manuscripts, books and records which has been built up over the centuries since the cathedral’s foundation in the year 597. Alongside the office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Canterbury Cathedral is the oldest institution in the UK, older than the English Crown. read more...

The Anglo-Saxon Cathedral: St Gregory’s ‘Dialogues’

Canterbury Cathedral’s story starts with a book. This is what is known as the Canterbury Gospels or the St Augustine Gospels, now owned by Corpus Christi College Cambridge. This extraordinary late 6th-century manuscript copy of the four Gospels is thought to have been brought by St Augustine of Canterbury, founder of our cathedral, on his mission to England. read more...

Cathedral Stories Podcast

We created this special podcast series during lockdown to give you a sense of what makes Canterbury Cathedral so special and to learn something of its unique and colourful history. read more...

The Medieval Cathedral: The ‘Domesday Monachorum’

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library Perhaps the most famous historic book in England is the Domesday Book, the written record of the land survey ordered by William the Conqueror which was completed in 1086. read more...

Henry II and St Thomas Becket: Canterbury City’s first charter

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archive and Library The murder of St Thomas Becket in his cathedral on 29 December 1170, and the cult of Becket which developed, shaped Canterbury Cathedral and its city for the centuries to come. read more...

Phased reopening

In line with revised Government guidance on places of worship, the Cathedral will reopen for personal prayer only from Monday 15th June 2020 during the hours below. read more...

General Service Times

View here details of our daily services. Many more services are held every year, details of which may be found on the What's On pages. read more...

How You Can Help

There are many simple ways you can give your support to Canterbury Cathedral. Donations and grants are vital to the Cathedral’s future and your gift however large or small will make a difference. read more...

Testimonials

The Friends are the Cathedral’s fan club. We are admirers of the building, its history and its community. We are part of the Cathedral and work together to cherish it forever, contributing financially, and directly, to many individual and vital projects. read more...

A Prayer Meditation for Personal Prayer

 Download the Prayer Meditation Feel free to use whatever part of this meditation you find helpful, speaking the words silently in your heart, and pausing and adding your own reflection as you wish. How wondrous is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. read more...

History of The Friends

The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 1927 by the distinguished scholar and poet Dean George Allen Kennedy Bell who later became Bishop of Chichester. The organization was the first of its kind in the world. read more...

Giving to The Friends

Please donate to the Friends and help us continue our work in preserving the Cathedral for generations to come. read more...

Why We Need Your Support

The Cathedral is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and our aim is to make it accessible to all people for worship, education, and as a centre for heritage and culture. It costs £20,000 to keep the Cathedral running and we receive no regular statutory funding. read more...

Filming and Photography

The Cathedral receives a large number of requests for filming and photography and we will try and accommodate as many of these requests as possible. Prior to making a request we would ask that you read these guidelines. read more...

Who Are We

Canterbury Cathedral Trust is an independent charity established in 1974 to raise income in support of the Cathedral’s conservation, craftsmanship, music and education. read more...

Choral Scholarships

In 2020, Canterbury Cathedral celebrates 600 years with a permanent boys’ choir. The Canterbury Voice will create a choral scholarship programme, to ensure that their music will resonate here and around the world for the next 600 years. read more...

Join The Friends

Becoming a Friend is not only about restoring a beautiful old building, it’s about establishing a community and forming lasting relationships. read more...

Our Services Explained

The Cathedral is first and foremost a working, living church and place of worship. Daily worship lies at the heart of Cathedral life and every day follows a rhythm of morning and evening prayer and daily Eucharist. read more...

The Canterbury Voice – Supporting Music

Canterbury maintains one of the oldest and most celebrated choral traditions in the world. Today the Cathedral is host to a vibrant music community - enriching worship and inspiring people. read more...

Adopt a Stop!

The Cathedral’s organ sits at the heart of our music, supporting all who sing here and inspiring all who journey here. This beautiful instrument has reached the end of its performing life, placing impossible restrictions upon our music team. From 2020, the refurbished instrument will have a new, relocated console, with four manuals and 89 stops giving voice to over 6,000 pipes. The stops (ranks of pipes) allow... read more...

A Sustainable Future

The Canterbury Voice will sustain the Cathedral’s musical future. To continue celebrating centuries of sound, we need reliable funding to support both daily music and our future aspirations. Building dedicated endowed funds will ensure our choral traditions are not compromised. read more...

Canterbury Cathedral and Magna Carta: The ‘Pine Magna Carta’

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library One of the great milestones of English medieval history is the agreement by King John to Magna Carta in 1215, following the dispute between him and his barons. read more...

Leaving a Gift in Your Will

Legacies of all sizes are a valuable source of funds for us and there are many ways your selfless and long-lasting gift will help and support our work. In leaving a gift in your Will to Canterbury Cathedral, you pledge your support to this symbol of human achievement – contributing to the eternal legacy of this great place. read more...

US Friends (FOCCUS)

Friends in the US may like to join ‘The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral in the United States’ (FOCCUS) organization which offers Americans an opportunity to play a creative role through discussion, prayer, study, pilgrimage and practical support in both conservation and the facilitating of scholarships to allow students from across the world to study in Canterbury. read more...

Listen to our Sermons

Hear sermons preached at the Cathedral. read more...

Your Day, Your Voice

The performance of world class choral music is central to Canterbury’s ethos of welcome and creativity. Daily sung services, special events and chorister training all contribute to the legacy of this inspirational place. To maintain this level of excellence and sustain our musical heritage for generations, we have created the Your Voice endowment. read more...

Monastic Life in the medieval cathedral: Cawston’s register

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library Despite some losses from the collection over the centuries, some items removed by collectors, some destroyed at the Reformation, some lost in the Audit House fire of 1670, the archive of the medieval cathedral priory remains very strong. read more...

What Do The Friends Do?

The Friends are a group of like-minded people who wish to become involved in the community and life of Canterbury Cathedral. The Friends provide a channel for individuals to show their support by joining in with activities and with direct giving. read more...

Publications – Past and Present

Download here our newsletters and fundraising updates. read more...

Canterbury Pilgrimage in the later Middle Ages: William Brewyn’s ‘guidebook’

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library Canterbury Cathedral has been shaped by being the earliest cathedral foundation in England and by being the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the senior bishop of the Church of England. It has also been shaped by pilgrimage. read more...

Legacy

Take a look behind the scenes at Canterbury Cathedral, with our short film which demonstrates why the Cathedral will always need financial support. read more...

The later medieval cathedral: The building of Bell Harry

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library Canterbury Cathedral is a complex building which has developed over the centuries. The earliest parts of the standing structure date from Norman times; the latest is the north-west tower, which was built in the 1830s to replace an unstable Norman structure. read more...

The Reformation: The Endowment Charter of Henry VIII

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library The English Reformation of Henry VIII and the severing of links with the Roman Catholic Church ended monastic life at Canterbury and across the country. The monastery of Canterbury Christ Church was dissolved in 1540, with the prior, Thomas Goldwell, and 28 monks given pensions and dismissed. read more...

Courses

The Canterbury Scholars' programme provides opportunities for Anglican / Episcopalian Christians from around the Anglican Communion to pray, study and live together at the International Study Centre, Canterbury Cathedral. read more...

Bishops

Newly-appointed bishops come from all corners of the Anglican Communion to share their experiences in the company of others. The conference aims to investigate the diverse challenges faced by those in the early years of their Episcopal ministry. read more...

Worship & Music

For more than 1400 years God has been worshipped in Canterbury Cathedral. With its roots in the Benedictine tradition, the ongoing daily pattern of morning and evening prayer and Eucharist (Holy Communion) continues the prayers and praises of countless generations. read more...

General Information

The Cathedral welcomes nearly a million visitors a year and offers a wide range of facilities. View opening times, entry charges, details of guided tours, audio tours and other visitor facilities and travelling advice. read more...

Cathedral History

The Cathedral is often described as 'England in stone' as its history is intrinsically linked to England's history. From Archbishop Langton's role in the Magna Carta negotiations to the power struggle between King Henry II and Archbishop Thomas Becket, Canterbury Cathedral's history is as rich as it comes. read more...

School Visits

Every year, we welcome more than 100,000 primary and secondary pupils from all over the world and our dedicated Schools Department offers a wide range of facilities to visiting schools, from guided tours and costumed trails to hands-on sessions in the project room. read more...

Legal

Legal Notices, Terms & Conditions and information about access, liability, licence, jurisdiction, privacy statement and use of cookies. read more...

Cathedral Map

The Cathedral map shows the main areas of the Cathedral. The visitor route takes visitors through the Nave, Martyrdom, down into the Crypt and up through the Crossing into the Quire and Trinity Chapel. For disabled access, please see the Access Information page. read more...

Archbishop of Canterbury

The Archbishop of Canterbury is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. read more...

Visiting the Archives & Library

The Archives and Library of Canterbury Cathedral welcome all researchers with interests in our collections. View opening hours and details of available services here. read more...

Anglo-Saxon Canterbury

With the collapse of Roman rule and the invasions of Angles, Saxons and Jutes in the fifth century, the old capital of the Roman province of Cantium fell into ruins. It was revived in 597, when Augustine, leader of a band of missionaries, established his throne (in Latin “cathedra”) in a derelict Roman church within the old city. read more...

Organising Your Visit

Contact the Schools Department as soon as possible to make an initial enquiry and to discuss dates and times, learning objectives and costs for your visit. Staff will be pleased to advise on most suitable facilities and provide supporting material for your visit. read more...

Lay Clerks

Canterbury Cathedral lay clerks (4 basses, 4 tenors and 4 counter tenors) all have a high standard of vocal training and ability and, while following a parallel career in another field, sing at services most days. read more...

Opening Times & Entry Charges

The Cathedral is very much part of the local community. It is used regularly for local, regional and/or national services and events. Therefore at times some or all of it may be closed for general visiting. read more...

Group Facilities

Groups may book an ‘entrance only’ or any of the additional facilities, such as private guided tours, audio-tours, audio visual presentations, lectures or ‘behind-the-scenes’ tours. Pre-booked groups benefit from reduced group rates. read more...

Featured Objects

These articles feature objects with a particular relevance to local, national or international events. read more...

Sung Eucharist

The Sung Eucharist is a celebration of Holy Communion with beautiful music. The worshipping community of the Cathedral, visitors and pilgrims come together to celebrate all that Jesus has done and continues to do for us. read more...

Student Support

The Cathedral works in partnership with colleges and universities to offer a range of opportunities to enhance the student learning experience including supporting course work, professional development, work placement and volunteering. read more...

Complaints

It is the aim of the Cathedral to address and resolve complaints informally and as soon as possible after any issue has arisen. If you would like to tell us about anything concerning you please read our complaints procedure. read more...

The reign of Elizabeth I: The Queen’s visit to Canterbury in 1573

Poster image reproduced with permission from the National Railway Museum/Science & Society Picture Library Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library The long reign of Henry VIII’s second daughter Elizabeth brought some stability to the country and indeed the Cathedral. read more...

The Civil War: The Bargrave Travel Diary

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library Elizabeth I was the last of the Tudor monarchs; she was succeeded by her cousin, James I, the first of the Stuart dynasty. read more...

Seminarians/New Clergy

A conference for Seminarians and Clergy in the early years of their ministry, focusing on the rich traditions of cultures and contexts of mission and ministry in the Anglican Communion. read more...

Archives & Library

The Archives & Library holds an impressive collection of manuscripts, historic records, photographs, maps and printed books dating back to the late 8th century. These make up an extraordinarily rich resource. read more...

Gender Pay Gap

Gender pay reporting legislation requires employers with 250 or more employees to publish statutory calculations every year showing how large the pay gap is between their male and female employees. Cathedral data, collected on the same date each year, 5th April, may be viewed here. read more...

The Restoration: Lancelot Pease organ case design

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library The iconoclasm and vandalism which took place in 1642 during the Civil War left the cathedral buildings in a devastated state and in need of significant attention and expenditure. Stained glass windows had been broken, roofs damaged, lead removed and furniture and furnishings destroyed. read more...

Environmental and Resources Policy

How the Cathedral community is working to help protect the environment. read more...

Cathedral music in the early modern period: choir partbooks

Music has been central to the life of Canterbury Cathedral since its foundation. The medieval monks of the cathedral priory sang during the daily ‘offices’ as well as during Mass. A choir of boys from the monastic school was formed in 1438 for singing in the Lady Chapel. read more...

The Cathedral as landowner: the Vauxhall map

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library As recorded in the late 11th-century ‘Domesday Monachorum’ , the cathedral held estates from Anglo-Saxon times. read more...

Faculty

Faculty members come from across the Anglican Communion to share their knowledge and experience and learn from each other. read more...

The 18th century: Samuel Grimm watercolour

Author: Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library The 18th century saw the development of tourism to Canterbury and its cathedral. Travel by the well-to-do was made easier by improved road networks; Canterbury was conveniently situated on the route between London and Dover, and near other attractions such as horse-racing each summer on Barham Downs. read more...

Historic Collections

The Cathedral houses wonderful collections of silver, textiles, paintings and much more. Some of these can be seen on display in the buildings; other items are held in the Archives and Library. The Canterbury Journey project aims to open us access to the collections in new and exciting ways. read more...

What we hold

The Archive and Library hold a number of fascinating collections, both those that belong and trace the history of the Cathedral and those held on behalf of other organisations read more...

Today’s Prayer

Prayers have been said at Canterbury Cathedral for more than 1,400 years and millions of people of every age pray every day. Wherever you are, whether you are a child, young person or an adult, please join us in our daily prayer. read more...

Language Schools

Canterbury Cathedral is often described as England in stone, and, as such, is ideal for foreign students as students will learn about the Cathedral's rich history, as well as improve their language skills with our EFL questionnaire and other facilities. read more...

The Victorian Cathedral Buildings: George Austin Jr photographs

Prints and drawings of the cathedral proliferated in the 19th century; however, it is the advent of photography which provides accurate evidence for the appearance and state of repair of the cathedral and precincts buildings in Victorian times. read more...

Victorian Archbishops: Archbishop Frederick Temple’s welcome scroll

While the cathedral was a popular visitor destination in the 18th century, overall Canterbury remained a provincial city. The Archbishops of Canterbury spent little time in their cathedral, remaining mostly in Lambeth Palace, just over the Thames from the Houses of Parliament, more convenient for affairs of state. read more...

Loans

Canterbury Cathedral is the custodian of a very wide range of collections, reflecting the Cathedral’s long history and complementing the built heritage. These include; the written collections of the Archives and Library (including manuscripts, prints, drawings and rare books), vestments, silver, stained glass, carved stone and other historic, religious and secular artefacts. read more...

Group Visits

We offer a wide range of facilities to visiting groups, from guided tours to accommodation, group hospitality and 'behind the scenes' tours to our Archives & Library and conservation workshops, read more...

Stained Glass

Canterbury Cathedral contains over 1,200 square metres of stained glass depicting inspirational stories of men and women, including one of England’s largest collections of early medieval stained glass. read more...

Calendar View

The calendar contains times and locations of all events at the Cathedral including daily services, public events and services, as well as private services, graduation ceremonies, weddings and funerals. read more...

Volunteers

The Cathedral relies heavily on its team of volunteers to provide a warm Ministry of Welcome to its many worshippers and visitors. Volunteering at the Cathedral can be extremely rewarding, whether you contribute as a Flower Arranger, 'Holy Duster', Bellringer, Steward, Sunday Club Assistant or Cathedral Guide / Welcomer / Chaplain. read more...

Cathedral Council

The Council represents the Cathedral community as well as the wider local and regional community. Its members are drawn from a wide variety of organisations. Its duty is to further and support the work of the Cathedral Church in spiritual, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical areas. read more...

Magna Carta

Thirteenth century Archbishop of Canterbury, Stephen Langton played a leading role in the negotiations preceding Magna Carta - the charter of liberties sealed by King John in 1215. read more...

Primary School Visits

We offer a range of Key Stage 1 & 2 tailored visits on subjects such as Religious Education, History and Art & Design. read more...

Conservation

The Cathedral employs a large number of specialists, from stonemasons - 20! - to stained glass conservators, plumbers, carpenters and other conservators, who all work with huge dedication and expertise to ensure we and future generations may enjoy this very special building and its precious collections. read more...

Further & Higher Education

The Cathedral is a rich resource for students in subjects such as architecture, conservation, literature, music and of course religion. Staff will be pleased to discuss special requirements and discuss available facilities and resources. read more...

Boy Choristers

The choristers of Canterbury Cathedral sing at services on six days a week, continuing a 1400 year old tradition and making it one of the longest-established musical foundations in the world. read more...

Visitor Facilities

The Cathedral offers a wide range of facilities to ensure that each visitor may enjoy its rich history and stunning architecture. read more...

Educational Groups

From primary and secondary school groups to language schools and university students, the Cathedral is a wonderful resource and we offer tailored facilities for all. read more...

Collections Revealed

Collections Revealed highlights particular items from the Cathedral’s fantastic and varied collections which tell interesting stories or hidden pasts. read more...

Morning Prayers / Matins

Morning Prayer is a service of prayer and praise to begin the day. A simple, said service which lasts approximately 20 minutes and is at 07.30 hrs Monday to Friday and at 09.30 hrs on Saturday, Sunday, Bank Holidays and on certain other days during the year. read more...

Academic Access

The Cathedral aims to support academic and specialist research, creative practice, projects and collaborations which in turn supports our objectives to reach new and diverse audiences. We welcome projects which help increase our knowledge of the Cathedral, its heritage and collections, as well as creating outcomes for wider learning, public engagement and participation. read more...

Training & Courses

The Cathedral provides training through specialist CPD, professional skills development, internships, apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering. All opportunities are advertised on the Employment page. read more...

Our Top Ten

We could have made this into ‘Our Top 100’ as the Cathedral and grounds are huge and there is so much to see and enjoy. However, if you have limited time, here are some of the places which we think are particularly beautiful or have played a special part in the Cathedral’s history. read more...

Did you know?

There is so much to see, learn and enjoy, that you will need days to explore it all. Here are some well-known and lesser-known facts about Canterbury Cathedral. read more...

Catalogues and Newsletters

Here are links to our catalogues and to the image database where the images of the Cathedral and its collections are held read more...

Video Footage

Using a ‘flying camera’, local production company Eagle Video has produced stunning footage of historic Canterbury and the Cathedral. read more...

Virtual Tour

Our virtual tour will give you a glance of Canterbury Cathedral's stunning architecture, beautiful early medieval stained glass, soaring arches and fan vaulted ceilings. read more...

Learning

Originating from a Benedictine foundation, Canterbury Cathedral has been a seat of learning since the Middle Ages. It continues to inspire young and old and we offer a wide range of formal and informal learning programmes. read more...

Stone Conservation

We employ 20 stonemasons including six apprentices who work with great dedication, expertise and sensitivity to the spirit of the building. Their aim is to slow down the process of decay, and to replace only those parts that have lost the battle for survival. read more...

Anglican Conferences

The Cathedral offers regular courses for Anglican bishops, seminarians and the newly ordained from all over the world. These courses offer a unique opportunity for Anglicans to meet, pray and study while sharing the spiritual riches of their Mother Church. read more...

College of Canons

The College of Canons is composed of Honorary, Lay and Provincial Canons appointed by the Archbishop and it supports the life of the Cathedral in many different ways. read more...

Secondary School Visits

Discover Canterbury Cathedral on one of our curriculum linked Secondary visits. Choose from a wide range of set topics or contact the School Department to arrange a bespoke visit tailored to your particular requirements. read more...

William Shakespeare

A second folio of Shakespeare's works belongs to Canterbury Cathedral and went on special display in April 2016 to mark the 400th anniversary of the playwright’s death. read more...

Upcoming Closures

The Cathedral plays an active role in the community and it, or parts of it, regularly close for services or special events. Therefore, always check opening times before visiting. read more...

Girls’ Choir

The Girls’ Choir consists of 25 girls aged between 12 and 18, from a variety of local schools. They sing at one service each weekend with the men of the Cathedral Choir, and perform at special occasions including Easter Day and Christmas Day. They maintain an active concert and recording profile. read more...

The Canterbury Journey

The Canterbury Journey represents a major five-year development of the Cathedral. The programme will conserve and safeguard this beautiful building’s heritage for future generations and enrich the experience of those who visit. read more...

Community Engagement

The Cathedral’s Learning and Participation team reaches out to the local and wider communities by working with a variety of community partners, organisations and groups, as well as attending festivals and events across East Kent. read more...

Hospitality & Accommodation

First class hotel accommodation, hospitality and conference facilities are available in the Cathedral Lodge, located in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral. The Cathedral Lodge is a unique and contemporary hotel and conference venue in the heart of the city of Canterbury. read more...

Learning for All

Our Learning for All programme includes accessible learning for all ages and abilities and includes a range of activities inspired by the Cathedral, traditional crafts and creative interpretation. These include workshops, short courses, master classes and demonstrations. read more...

Conference & Meeting Facilities

Offering an impressive 250 seat Auditorium with in-built audio-visual facilities, the conference centre at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge also houses function rooms that can cater for anything from a small meeting to a large delegate conference. Meeting delegates are promised a truly memorable event in an inspirational environment. read more...

Pilgrimage

Canterbury Cathedral has a tradition of visitor welcome that reaches back to the days of medieval pilgrimage. Today, we continue this tradition as we welcome pilgrims who are travelling to / from Rome, Santiago de Compostela or following the Pilgrims' Way from Winchester. read more...

News & Newsletters

Read the latest news from Canterbury Cathedral and keep up-to-date with events and Cathedral community. read more...

Cathedral Musicians

Music is an integral part of our worship and the Cathedral takes great pride in the music performed at its Services. Our world renowned Choir is made up of 12 lay clerks (professional singers) 25 choristers, boys between 8 and 13 years old and a Girls’ Choir formed in 2014 with 24 members aged between 12 and 18. read more...

The Canterbury Journey

The Cathedral has been working with the community and stakeholders to put together a five year programme of learning and community engagement as part of The Canterbury Journey, a £25 million project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and other generous sponsors. read more...

World War I

To commemorate the centenary of the Great War, there is an ongoing project to research collections held in the Cathedral Archives pertaining to the period. read more...

Choral Evensong

As the day begins with Morning Prayer, so the day ends with an evening service of prayer and praise, using the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer. This is normally sung by the Cathedral Choir and the service is at 17.30 hrs Monday to Friday and 15.15hrs on Saturdays and Sundays. The service lasts about 40 minutes. read more...

Director of Music

Dr David Flood is the Master of the Cathedral Choristers and the Cathedral Organist, and as such is responsible for every aspect of the Cathedral’s music programme. read more...

Image Database

Cathedral Image Database Our Image Database contains images related to the Cathedral and some of its collections and treasures. You may also contact our Press Office to request images. read more...

Nave and West Towers

As part of The Canterbury Journey project, the western end of the Cathedral is being restored and enhanced with repairs to the West Towers and Nave roof. We are currently erecting a safety deck in the Nave, which should be in place by the end of March 2017. read more...

Conferences & Study Days

As part of The Canterbury Journey project, the Cathedral holds two conferences – a biennial Conservation and Collections Conference in November, and an annual Young Futures Conference, also in November. In 2017 the focus was on The Black Prince. read more...

Access Information

We aim to provide a warm welcome and a first class visitor experience to all visitors and worshippers. You may download our detailed Access Statement or Facilities for Visitors with Disabilities leaflet before visiting or ask staff for assistance on arrival. read more...

Cathedral Shop

The Canterbury Cathedral Shop sells replica historical artefacts and books, guide books, some religious books, and CDs made by our world-famous choir. We are a large gift shop in the heart of the city of Canterbury with an impressive range of high quality gifts, mostly British, and our own exclusive award winning designs. read more...

Heritage

The Cathedral's history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine, sent by Pope Gregory the Great, arrived as a missionary. In 1170, Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since, the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims. read more...

Chapter Members

The Chapter of Canterbury are responsible for all aspects of the day-to-day management of the Cathedral. Chapter comprises the Dean, the Residentiary Canons, the Receiver General and four additional persons appointed by the Archbishop. read more...

Overseas Schools

We welcome thousands of overseas school groups to the Cathedral and offer a wide range of facilities and supporting material in several languages. read more...

FAQ

Our staff in the Schools' Department are here to help, but we hope this information will help you to prepare your visit. read more...

Director of the Girls’ Choir and Assistant Organist

David Newsholme is Assistant Organist and Director of the Girls’ Choir at Canterbury Cathedral. read more...

Book, Paper and Object Conservation

The Cathedral Archives houses a paper conservation studio, which is responsible for the restoration and protection of our books, manuscripts and charters. read more...

Canterbury

“Canterbury’s past is as rich as it comes” says the latest Lonely Planet guide to Britain. Its world-famous cathedral city was one of medieval Europe’s great places of pilgrimage and learning. read more...

Get Involved

Become part of the Cathedral community by joining the 'Friends of Canterbury Cathedral', offering your services as a volunteer or helping with our fundraising activities. read more...

Maps & Directions

Canterbury's location near London, channel ports and airports makes it an easy destination for anyone travelling by car, coach, train, air or sea. The Cathedral is within easy walking distance of Canterbury East or West stations. read more...

Visiting Choirs

We offer visiting choirs several opportunities to sing at Canterbury Cathedral, Mother Church of the Anglican Communion and one of the great holy places of Christendom. read more...

Credits

The who, what and why of how this website was developed. read more...

Senior Positions

Find out who is responsible for the departments involved in the day-to-day running of Canterbury Cathedral, welcoming our many visitors and maintaining it for future generations to enjoy. read more...

Second Assistant

Adrian was appointed Second Assistant Organist in September 2015 having been organist at Rochester Cathedral. read more...

Kent, the Garden of England

Kent, also known as the Garden of England is an idyllic, quintessentially English must-see destination to explore and discover. Located just outside of London, it is England's oldest and most beautiful county. read more...

Library corridor roof repaired

Work to repair and further conserve a 12th century area of Canterbury Cathedral was completed in December 2017. The Cathedral received a £250,000 grant to repair the roof of the first-floor Library Corridor on the north side of the building near the Water Tower. read more...

Archbishop of Canterbury

The Most Revd and Rt Hon Justin Welby was enthroned at Canterbury Cathedral on 21 March 2013 as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury. He is the senior bishop and principal leader of the Church of England, the symbolic head of the worldwide Anglican Communion and the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Canterbury. read more...

Anglican Communion

Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, a community of 38 autonomous national and regional Churches plus six Extra Provincial Churches and Dioceses, all of which are in Communion - in a reciprocal relationship - with the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the Communion's spiritual head. read more...

Who Does What?

The Cathedral employs some 300 staff and relies on 600+ volunteers to carry out its mission. Details of the organisation may be found here. read more...

Sitemap

Please contact the Cathedral Webmaster for technical problems or the PR Department for content suggestions. read more...

Downloads

To prepare for your visit, you may like to download risk assessments, teacher information and pupil questionnaires in several languages read more...

Current and Recent Projects

Conservation work on the Cathedral is never ending, and our highly skilled crafts and trades(wo)men and apprentices. The Cathedral employs 20 stonemasons, including 6 apprentices, 8 stained glass conservators, specialist carpenters, plumbers and other conservators. read more...

Cathedral Trust

The Cathedral Trust is responsible for raising much-needed funds to keep the Cathedral running, which costs £20,000 each day. The Cathedral receives no regular income from the Government or Church of England towards its restoration and conservation. We are therefore reliant on the generous support of our worshippers, visitors, partners and supporters, all of whom help to safeguard the Cathedral for future generations. read more...

The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral

The Friends are the Cathedral's fan club. Admirers of the building, its history and its community, Friends are a part of the Cathedral and work together to preserve it for ever, contributing to many individual and vital projects. read more...

Contact Us

For any information or queries, please contact us, enquiries@canterbury-cathedral.org or tel. +44 (0) 1227 762862. read more...

E-newsletter

For our regular e-newsletter, subscribe here. read more...

Warriors’ Chapel

The chapel was cleaned after dust fell on the tombs, windows and regimental colours during work on the nearby south window. read more...

North West Transept

The North West Transept is one of the hardest-to-reach areas in urgent need of restoration. It is historically important as it is one of the oldest parts of the Cathedral and the place where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170. read more...

Booking Forms

To help avoid disappointment or wasted time, please contact the Schools Department to discuss availability before submitting any booking form. read more...

About

Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, part of the Canterbury World Heritage Site and destination for more than a million visitors and pilgrims every year. read more...

Great South Window

Work to rebuild the Great South Window was completed and scaffolding removed in November 2016. read more...

French Church

In 1685, 200,000 French Protestants fled to England to escape persecution in Catholic France. Many settled in Canterbury where there was already a French community and a church. Today, their descendants still worship, in French, every Sunday at 15.00 hrs in the Huguenot Chapel in the Cathedral’s Crypt. All are welcome. read more...

Cathedral Constables

The Cathedral’s Constabulary Supt. Jim Morley Head Constable James Morley MSyl MInstLM, is the Head Constable of the Cathedral Constabulary at Canterbury. Jim is the Fire and Security lead at Canterbury Cathedral and sits on the Safeguarding Committee. read more...

Sunday Club

Children aged between 0-13 are invited to join Canterbury Cathedral’s Sunday Club. Parents/carers should stay with children who are under school age. The club is held in the Water Tower every Sunday in term time during the 11 o'clock Eucharist. read more...

Bell Ringing

Canterbury Cathedral has more than 20 bells: one at the top of Bell Harry tower; five in the North West tower for striking the quarters; Great Dunstan – the Cathedral’s largest bell, which strikes the hour and rings for some services; and, in the South West tower, there are 14 further bells hung for change ringing. read more...

World War I research at the Cathedral Archives

I have been fortunate to be part of the ongoing project to research collections held in the Cathedral Archives for the commemoration of the centenary of the Great War. I commenced assisting with the project in October 2013. read more...

The Canterbury War Memorial

In 1919, a committee was formed for establishing a memorial to commemorate the men of Canterbury who fell in the Great War. The Dean and the Lord Mayor of Canterbury for the time being would be ex officio President and Chairman of the committee respectively. read more...

WWI through the eyes of a Vicar of St George’s Deal

Introduction The last 100 years have given historians ample opportunity to reflect on the First World War which began in the late summer of 1914. But how was the conflict perceived by people at the time? Parish magazines, an often under-used historical resource, are the pamphlets containing the news and events of local communities. read more...

The diary of Frederic Maxted

Frederic Sanders Maxted was born in 1878 at Ramsgate and was educated at Brighton, Hove and Sussex Grammar School, leaving in 1894. Being of an old yeoman family, he became a farmer but he also (somewhat against his father’s wishes) volunteered for the Royal East Kent Yeomanry, a predecessor of the modern Territorial Army. read more...

Nelson Johnson Propeller

Nelson King Johnson was born in Canterbury in 1892 and was educated at the Simon Langton Grammar School. In 1913, he graduated with a BSc from the Royal College of Science in South Kensington. He initially attempted to become an astronomer at Sidmouth but war intervened and in 1915 he joined the Royal Flying Corps. read more...

The Canterbury and District War Work Depot

Even in the first months of the Great War, it had become apparent that the distribution of aid to wounded soldiers or prisoners-of-war, both by voluntary organisations and through official channels, was disorganised and inconsistent, with too much of certain items and too little of others being dispatched irregularly to too few soldiers or to read more...

Cricket and the Canterbury stage in August 1914

The Old Stagers have been in existence, and have performed plays exclusively in Canterbury, since 1842. read more...

HMS Kent

HMS Kent, an armoured cruiser, took part in the Battle of the Falklands on 8th December 1914 where she sank the German light cruiser SMS Nürnberg. During the battle she was hit by 38 shells, causing serious damage and killing eight men. Despite this, she attempted to rescue men from the sinking Nürnberg. read more...

HMS Canterbury and the Battle of Jutland

The Battle of Jutland at the end of May 1916 was perhaps the greatest naval engagement of the First World War. read more...