Inside Canterbury Cathedral (Janet Caldwell)

The name Canterbury comes from Old English. Originally called Cantwareburgh, its literal meaning was “the fortified town” (burgh) for the “people” (ware) of “Cant” or Kent. When walled towns were first built, they were designed as an evacuation shelter for people across the local county to use during a Viking invasion. The name for the county of Kent is a much older ancient British Celtic word, likely meaning “the land on the edge.” Most people visit Canterbury for its famous cathedral and the tales that go with it, but it is also worthwhile to explore the ancient walls and take a trip down the river.

The Canterbury Cathedral has been a pilgrimage site since Archbishop Thomas Becket was martyred at the cathedral on Dec. 29, 1170. Becket lived during a time when the Christian church was heavily overseen by the royal government. He was first a chancellor and advisor to King Henry II and seems to have enjoyed the prestige. However, when the king promoted him to Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket became more devout and favored reforms that separated royal authority over the church. Henry disagreed and Becket was exiled for years. When he finally returned to Canterbury, four of Henry’s knights murdered him. Becket’s tomb at Canterbury Cathedral became a pilgrimage site and the many healing miracles of pilgrims helped canonize his sainthood. Even Henry II eventually sought public penance. Over time a pilgrimage cult grew and was devoted to Becket’s memory as the hero that defied a tyrant, though historians see the story with more nuance.

River Stour in Canterbury (Janet Caldwell)

Inside Canterbury Cathedral (Janet Caldwell)

Inside Canterbury Cathedral (Janet Caldwell)