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  1. Home
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  3. Canterbury Cathedral
Location
Location
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Canterbury Cathedral

 County

Kent (13 castles) 

 Categories

 Remains

Excellent remains

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Location51.2796,1.0829 (Google Maps) DirectionsDirections via Google Maps
 County

Kent (13 castles) 

 Categories

 Remains

Excellent remains

 Access

Only open at certain times

 Location
51.2796,1.0829
 Directions
Directions via Google Maps
anterbury Cathedral was the location in 1170 where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered by four knights who mistook King Henry II's outburst at Becket's defiance against him as a request for the death of the Archbishop. The site for the cathedral was important as far back as AD 597 when the missionary St. Augustine was sent from Rome by Gregory the Great and converted the Pagan king Ethelbert to Christianity. In return Ethelbert gave Augustine an ancient building which had been a church belonging to earlier British Christians built by King Lucius. Augustine restored and rebuilt sections of the church and it became the centre of Christianity in Britain.

After the Norman conquest the cathedral was completely rebuilt by Archbishop Lanfranc (1070) and his successor Anselm (1093) and all remnants of the Saxon church were removed. Anselm started the reconstruction of the choir and his successor Conrad completed the work which was celebrated by Kings Henry I of England and David I of Scotland in 1130. In 1174, shortly after the death of Becket, a fire started in buildings close to the Cathedral and embers set light to its roof. The damage was extensive and this presented the opportunity to do major redesign work. William of Sens was chosen as the architect and he chose the new Gothic style as the style to replace the older Norman building. William de Sens was injured in a fall during construction and his successor, William the Englishman, continued the work. In 1220 Becket's shrine was installed in the Cathedral. The shrine became a cult object attracting pilgrims along the Pilgrim's Way from London. This being the basis of the Canterbury Tales written by Chaucer. Further building work was performed by Henry Yeveley from around 1379 until 1405. Yeveley died in 1400 but the work was continued under his apprentice Stephen Lote.

Location

See Also

People

  • Walter, Hubert
  • Theobald (of Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Arundel, Thomas (Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Lanfranc, (Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Anselm, (Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Becket, Thomas (St)
  • Langton, Stephen
  • Wareham, William (Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Aelfheah (Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Baldwin (of Forde, Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • Champart, Robert (of Jumieges, Archbishop of Canterbury)
  • A .. Z List of Medieval People

Related Information

  • Timeline of abbey foundations
  • The origin of monasteries
  • The Cisterian order of monks

Related Maps

  • Map of Cathedrals

Related Episodes

Peasants Revolt (click here)

Peasants Revolt (click here)

Excommunication of King John (click here)

Excommunication of King John (click here)

Viking Invasions (click here)

Viking Invasions (click here)

Henry II and Thomas Becket (click here)

Henry II and Thomas Becket (click here)

Civil War Stephen and Matilda (click here)

Civil War Stephen and Matilda (click here)

Lords Appellant (click here)

Lords Appellant (click here)

The First Barons' War (click here)

The First Barons' War (click here)

Location Map (click to explore)

Dimensions of main church

Dimensions: GeneralFeetInches
Total Length5100
West wall to apse arcade4500
Length of nave1850
Height of nave800
Width of nave710
Transept width1220
Length of choir and apse2650
Height of central tower2350
Height of western towers1300
Area43200 sq.feet
Source: Medieval Monasteries and Minsters:Roberts;

Archbishops of Canterbury (1070-1500)

Name From To Notes
Lanfranc10701089 
Anslem10931109 
Ralph d'Escures11141122 
William of Corbeil11231136 
Theobald of Bec11391161 
Thomas Becket11621170 
Richard of Dover11741184 
Baldwin of Forde11841190 
Hubert Walter11931205 
Stephen Langton12071228 
Richard Grant12291231 
Edmund Rich12341240 
Boniface of Savoy12451270 
Robert Kilwardby12731278 
John Pecham12791292 
Robert Winchelsey12941313 
Walter Reynolds13131327 
Simon Meopham13281333 
John Stratford13331348 
Thomas Bradwardine1348  
Simon Islip13491366 
Simon Langham13661368 
William whittlesey13681374 
Simon Sudbury13751381 
William Courtenay13811396 
Thomas Arundel13961397 
Roger Walden13971399 
Thomas Arundel13991414 
Henry Chichele14141443 
John Stafford14431452 
John Kemp14521454 
Thomas Bourchier14541486 
John Morton14861500 

Timeline

669
...
Theodore of Tarsus becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Theodore of Tarsus arrived in England to become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. Under Theodore's leadship the structure of the English Church was changed. Lands were donated and new dioceses were created. Before this time bishops had a monastery but had no defined areas of their own and were missionaries. It was at around this time that the rule of St. Benedict was introduced into the country.

909
...
Athelm becomes Bishop of Wells

Athelm, later to be Archbishop of Canterbury was consecrated to the see of Wells, by Plegmund, Archbishop of Canterbury and Wereferth, Bishop of Worcester. Athelm started as a monk at Glastonbury Abbey and was the first Bishop of Wells.

926
...
Wulfhelm becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Wulfhelm become Archbishop of Canterbury.

959
...
Aefsige becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Aefsige became Archbishop of Canterbury.

...
Beorhthelm becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Beorhthelm became Archbishop of Canterbury.

960
...
Dunstan becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Dunstan became Archbishop of Canterbury.

988
...
Athelgar becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Athelgar became the Archbishop of Canterbury after the death of Dunstan.

990
...
Sigeric Serio becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Sigeric Serio becomes Archbishop of Canterbury.

1006
...
Aefheah becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Aefheah, formerly the bishop of Winchester became the Archbishop of Canterbury.

1011
...
The Vikings murder Aelfheah

The Vikings captured Canterbury and obtained a payment of £48,000. In a drunken rage the Vikings murdered Aelfheah, the Archbishop of Canterbury. Aelfheah was the man that had baptised Olaf Trygvasson in the Winter of 994. Outraged by the actions of his fellow men Thorkell the Tall defected to the side of Aethelred along with 45 Viking ships to help defend England from further Viking attacks.

1013
...
Lyfing becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Lyfing becomes Archbishop of Canterbury.

1020
...
Aethelnoth becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Aethelnoth became Archbishop of Canterbury.

1038
...
Eadsige becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Eadsige became Archbishop of Canterbury after the death of Aethelnoth.

1051
Mar
Robert of Jumieges becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Late in 1050, Eadsige, the archbishop of Canterbury died. The monks of Canterbury favoured Aelric, one of their fellow monks to become the next archbishop and Earl Godwin was approached to help push his appointment through. But King Edward appointed his favourite councellor Robert of Jumieges to the post instead.

1052
Summer
Stigand becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Stigand, the Bishop of Winchester, mediated in the conflicts between the Godwins and Edward the Confessor. The Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert of Jumieges, fled the country with other bishops who had been appointed by Edward. Stigand assumed the title of Archbishop of Canterbury. Robert of Jumieges appealed to Pope Leo IX and Stigand was excommunicated.

1070
...
Lanfranc becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

William the Conqueror placed Lanfranc in the position of Archbishop of Canterbury a move designed to strengthen his hold on the English throne. Thomas of Bayeux, a pupil of William's brother Odo, was put in the position of Archbishop of York after the death of Ealred who died on September 11th, 1069. Archbishop Stigand was imprisoned in Winchester.

1071
(to 1077)
Canterbury Cathedral rebuilt by Lanfranc

Canterbury Cathedral was rebuilt at this time by Archbishop Lanfranc. The Cathedral was based on the design of his abbey in Caen.

1072
Feb
Council of Winchester

Lanfranc held a Church council at Winchester where the reorganisation of Bishops and Bishoprics was confirmed. Canterbury was also confirmed as the head of the English Church rather than York.

1089
May 24
Lanfranc dies

After the death of Archbishop Lanfranc William Rufus held open the post of Archbishop of Canterbury for four years taking the revenues for his own purposes.

1093
...
Anselm Becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Anselm became Archbishop of Canterbury in 1093 succeeding Lanfranc. The post of Archbishop of Canterbury had been held open by William Rufus so that he could collect for himself the church's income. Anselm died in 1109.

1096
(to 1107)
Canterbury Choir, East Transepts and Crypt building work.

Canterbury Choir, East Transepts and Crypt building work.

1097
...
Anselm goes into exile

Conflicts between Archbishop Anselm and William Rufus resulted in the Archbishop leaving England and heading for Rome. William confiscated Anselm's land.

1100
Qtr 3
Anselm recalled from exile

Henry I had no quarrels with Anselm, the exiled archbishop, and invited him to return from exile and take back his position at Canterbury.

1103
...
Conflicts between Church and State

Disagreements began to arise between Henry I and Archbishop Anselm over the appointment of bishops and abbots into important Church positions. Anselm believed that it was a matter for the Church to decide and should not be controlled by the King. No concession could be agreed upon and once again Anselm went into exile as the King confiscated the lands that the archbishop owned.

1109
Apr 21
Archbishop Anselm dies

Archbishop Anselm, the Archbishop of Canterbury, died.

1130
...
Canterbury choir dedication

The construction of a new choir was started at Canterbury Cathedral in 1093 by Prior Ernulf and completed by Prior Conrad was dedicated in the presence of Henry I, David of Scotland and many English Earls.

1141
Dec 25
Stephen's second coronation

After his release Stephen insisted on a second coronation so that the barons would swear their loyalty to him. The coronation took place at Canterbury Cathedral.

1161
Apr 18
Death of Theobald of Bec

Theobald of Bec, archbishop of Canterbury, died after an illness. Henry II was informed and he expressed the wish to have his friend Thomas Becket elected as archbishop.

1162
Jun 3
Thomas Becket becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Thomas Becket was consecrated as Archbishop of Canterbury on June 3rd. He accepted the pallium sent by the Pope on August 10th. A pallium is a piece of clothe sent by the Pope and is woven from white lamb's wool. It is draped around the neck.

1170
Dec 29
Thomas Becket is murdered

When Henry II heard that Thomas Becket had returned to England and was threatening to excommunicate his opponents, his outrage was such that four knights overhearing the King travelled to England and killed Becket inside Canterbury Cathedral.

1173
Feb 21
Becket canonised

Becket was canonized by Pope Alexander III. His shrine at Canterbury Cathedral became extremely wealthy due to the number of pilgrims visiting it and donating money.

1174
...
Canterbury Cathedral fire

Canterbury Cathedral suffered another disastrous fire and was damaged so badly that it needed almost completely rebuilding. William of Sens was given the task of constructing a new Cathedral. William was injured by a fall from scaffolding and the work was continued by William the Englishman.

Apr
Richard of Dover becomes Archbishop

Pope Alexander III consecrated Roger of Dover as the Archbishop of Canterbury and gave him the pallium.

Jul 7
Whipping of Henry II

Henry II accepted his part, even though indirect, in the killing of Thomas Becket. He was whipped by the monks of Canterbury as punishment.

1175
(to 1178)
Canterbury Choir building work

Canterbury Choir building work by William of Sens.

1179
(to 1184)
Canterbury Trinity Chapel and corona building work

Canterbury Trinity Chapel and corona building work by William Englishman.

1185
May
Baldwin becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

After the death of Richard, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1184 a dispute arose as to who should replace him. The monks chose Peter de Leia, the bishop of St. David's in Wales, while others chose Baldwin. It took the intervention of King Henry II to put an end to the dispute and he chose Baldwin.

1193
...
Hubert Walter becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Hubert Walter follows Baldwin as Archbishop of Canterbury.

1205
Jul 13
Hubert Walter dies

Hubert Walter the Archbishop of Canterbury and King John's most important advisor died.

Dec
John forces election of De Gray

When Hubert Walter died a dispute began between King John and the monks of Canterbury over who should become the new Archbishop of Canterbury. King John wanted John de Grey, Bishop of Norwich, to have the position but the monks wanted their sub-prior, Reginald. The matter was delayed until December when a mission sent to Rome could consult the Pope. Reginald himself went as part of the mission and stated that he had been elected by the monks. When King John heard of this he demanded that De Gray should be elected and the monks dutifully did.

1207
...
Stephen Langton becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

Stephen Langton was chosen as Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Innocent III.

1215
Jun 15
John's Great Charter (the Magna Carta)

A large number of barons, led by Stephen Langton the archbishop of Canterbury, meet King John on an island in the Thames at Runnymede. They forced the king to sign the 'Great Charter' or Magna Carta that would limit the power of the monarchy. The barons insisted that the old feudal contract should be reinstated and that the king should abide by the laws that the rest of the population did. The feudal contract allowed the barons to run their own lands, renting it from the king but paying rent by supplying knights rather than money. This feudal system had been set up by William the Conqueror.

1228
...
Stephen Langton dies

On the death of Stephen Langton, the archbishop of Canterbury, the Pope, attempting to raise as much money from the clergy in England filled senior posts in the clergy with anyone who bidded the highest.

1236
(to 1238)
Canterbury Cloister building work

Canterbury Cloister building work.

Jan 4
King Henry marries Eleanor of Provence

King Henry III married Eleanor, one of four daughters of Raymond count of Provence. Eleanor was 14 years old. Simon de Montfort, as Lord High Steward, took care of the banquet and kitchen arrangements. The ceremony took place at Canterbury Cathedral.

1254
Aug
Prince Edward arrives in Castile

At the age of fifteen Prince Edward traveled from Portsmouth with his mother and the Archbishop of Canterbury to marry Eleanor of Castile the half-sister of the King Alfonso X of Castile. Both Edward were Eleanor are descended from Henry II. They arrived in Burgos, the capital of Castile, in August where the marriage was due to take place.

1304
(to 1320)
Canterbury Screen of choir and chapter house building work

Canterbury Screen of choir and chapter house building work.

1340
Nov
Edward dismisses his Chancellor

Edward travelled back to England and came ashore at the Tower of London. He was horrified to find the castle unguarded. His anger did not stop with those in charge at the Tower. Edward sacked many of his advisors including the Chancellor, John Stratford, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

1363
...
Construction of the Chantry Chapel at Canterbury

The Black Prince organised the construction of the Chantry Chapel at Canterbury Cathedral and he expressed the wish to be buried there.

...
Canterbury Black Prince chantry in crypt built

The Black Prince chantry in the crypt of Canterbury cathedral built by John Box.

1372
(to 1377)
Canterbury Crypt Lady Chapel building work

Canterbury Crypt Lady Chapel building work by John Box.

1378
...
Canterbury Cathedral rebuilding work

Work on rebuilding the nave and transepts of Canterbury Cathedral was started. The designer was Henry Yeveley one of the greatest architects in the late medieval period.

1379
(to 1414)
Canterbury Cloisters

Canterbury Cloisters built by Henry Yevele.

1381
Jun 10
William Courtenay becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

William Courtenay became the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Jun 10
Peasant's Revolt reaches Canterbury

William Courtenay was elected the new archbishop of Canterbury by the Kentish rebels who crowded into the church. The previous archbishop was in London with the king and was to be beheaded by the rebels. The Essex section of the revolt burnt and sacked a Hospitaller commandery that had previously belonged to the Templars called Cressing Temple.

1387
...
The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer begins the Canterbury Tales.

1397
...
Wilton Diptych painted

A series of miniature images painted on the side of the Black Prince's tomb in Canterbury Cathedral.

...
Thomas Arundel exiled

Shortly after becoming Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Arundel was exiled by Richard II because of his support for the lords appellant who had opposed the King's misrule of the country.

1400
...
Henry Yeveley dies.

Henry Yeveley, one of the greatest late medieval architects died in 1400. His work on Canterbury Cathedral was continued by his pupil Stephen Lote.

(to 1412)
Chapter House at Canterbury building work

Chapter House at Canterbury building work by Stephen Lote.

1413
Jun
Henry IV buried at Canterbury Cathedral

Henry IV was buried at Canterbury Cathedral.

1423
(to 1434)
Canterbury South West Tower building work

Canterbury South West Tower building work by Thomas Mapilton.

1468
...
Canterbury Lady Chapel Vault

Canterbury Lady Chapel Vault built.

1493
(to 1497)
Canterbury central tower building work

At Canterbury Cathedral building work was undertaken on the central tower including strainer arches in the crossing.

1503
...
William Wareham becomes Archbishop of Canterbury

William Wareham was elected to the post of Archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Julius II.

1538
...
Destruction of Thomas Becket's Relics

Henry VIII ordered the destruction of the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral and the removal of all the offerings that had been made over the centuries. The bones were supposed to have been burned but may have been reburied sparking a mystery over the location of the remains today.

1642
...
Canterbury Cathedral vandalised

Parliamentarian troops broke into Canterbury Cathedral and damaged the interior including the organ and choir.

3D Virtual Reconstructions

Transport yourself back up to a thousand years and explore historical buildings as they may have appeared in the past. Built using the popular game development tool Unity 3D, these reconstructions will run in the most of the popular web browsers on your desktop or laptop computer.

Medieval people

Uncover the lives of the hundreds of kings, queens, lords, ladies, barons, earls, archbishops and rebels who made the medieval people an exciting period of history to live through.

Selection of references used:

  • 1. William Stubbs, The Apostolical Succession in the Church of England, 1865
  • 2. Magnus Magnusson, Vikings!
  • 3. John Harvey, English Cathedrals, 1961
  • 4. Peter Potter, Data Donation
  • 5. T. Francis Bumpus, The Cathedrals of England and Wales, 1934
  • 6. Frank Barlow, The Feudal Kingdom of England
  • 7. John Timbs & Alexander Gunn, Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England & Wales (North), 1872
  • 8. Maurice Ashley, The Life and Times of King John
  • 9. Richard Barber, The Devil's Crown
  • 10. Elizabeth Luckock and Caroline Gundy, Simon de Montfort, 1969, ISBN:08-008236-6
  • 11. John Chancellor, The Life and Times of Edward I, 1981
  • 12. Hubert Cole, The Black Prince, 1976, ISBN:0-246-10778-2
  • 13. John J. Robinson, Born in Blood, ISBN:0-87131-602-1
  • 14. Jasper Ridley, The History of England, 1981, ISBN:0-7100-0794-9
  • 15. Paul de Rapin-Thoyras, The History of England, Volume 5

    Location

    See Also

    People

    • Walter, Hubert
    • Theobald (of Bec, Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Arundel, Thomas (Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Lanfranc, (Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Anselm, (Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Becket, Thomas (St)
    • Langton, Stephen
    • Wareham, William (Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Aelfheah (Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Baldwin (of Forde, Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • Champart, Robert (of Jumieges, Archbishop of Canterbury)
    • A .. Z List of Medieval People

    Related Information

    • Timeline of abbey foundations
    • The origin of monasteries
    • The Cisterian order of monks

    Related Maps

    • Map of Cathedrals
    3D/VR

    Virtual Buildings

    Transport yourself back up to a thousand years and explore historical buildings as they may have appeared in the past.

    Explore the White Tower

    Explore all four floors of the White Tower at the Tower of London using the Unity 3d game engine.

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