As you stroll the cobbled lanes that once felt the footfalls of Chaucer’s characters and gaze up at the soaring Cathedral that’s drawn the faithful for centuries, you can’t help but be swept up in the epic story of Canterbury’s past. In this article, we’ll travel through the ages to explore the tales etched in stone and whispered through the city’s winding alleys. From dramatic conquests to intimate snapshots of daily life, you’ll discover the rich tapestry that makes Canterbury a true English gem. Ready to time travel through the history of one of England’s most storied cities? Then let’s embark on a journey through Canterbury’s captivating centuries together.

The Birth of Canterbury: From Roman Settlement to Anglo-Saxon Capital

You’ve probably heard of Canterbury, but did you know its origins date back to the Romans? Around 50 AD, the Romans established a settlement here called Durovernum Cantiacorum. As the Romans withdrew from Britain, Germanic tribes like the Jutes and Saxons took control. By the 600s, the Saxons named the town Cantwaraburgh, meaning ‘the stronghold of the people of Kent’.

The Rise of the Anglo-Saxons

As the Saxons settled in, Canterbury grew into the capital of their kingdom. By the year 998, some 5,000 people called Canterbury home. The town was fortified with stone walls, and within them rose fine stone buildings and a mint for producing coins.

The Coming of Christianity

Everything changed in 597 AD when Pope Gregory sent Augustine to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. King Ethelbert allowed Augustine to settle in Canterbury, where he established his episcopal see in the old Roman church of St Martin’s. Augustine later became the first Archbishop of Canterbury, cementing the city’s status as a major centre of Christianity.

Canterbury continued to prosper, becoming a bustling marketplace and pilgrimage site. Its stunning cathedral dominated the skyline, while abbeys, monasteries and churches sprang up throughout the city. By the 14th century, Canterbury boasted a population of over 7,000 and was England’s most important town after London.

From these humble beginnings grew one of England’s most historic cities. Every stone and brick whispers tales of the Romans, Saxons and pilgrims who helped shape Canterbury into the UNESCO World Heritage site it is today.

Mediaeval Canterbury: Monks, Mystics and Murder in the Middle Ages

As Christianity spread through England, Canterbury became a centre of religious influence. In 597 AD, Canterbury was established as the heart of the English Church. The stunning Canterbury Cathedral was built and became the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Viking Invaders

The prosperity of Mediaeval Canterbury also attracted invaders. Viking raiders attacked repeatedly, ransacking the city and cathedral. After more attacks, the Normans reinforced the city walls, but the repeated invasions severely damaged Canterbury’s economy and stability

Power and Politics

However, power struggles emerged. When King Henry II appointed his friend Thomas Becket as Archbishop, he expected Thomas to put the King’s interests first. But Thomas took his religious duties seriously and refused to submit to the King’s authority. Enraged, Henry’s knights murdered Thomas in the cathedral in 1170. Thomas was canonised, and Canterbury became a popular pilgrimage site.

The Black Death Strikes

In 1348, the Black Death plague reached Canterbury. The disease spread rapidly in the cramped, unsanitary city, killing half the population. With such a depleted populace, the city fell into decline.

Tudor Times and beyond: Reformation and Revival

The Anglican Church

When Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England in the 16th century, Canterbury became the centre of this new faith. Under the Tudor dynasty, England transitioned from Catholicism to Protestantism. Led by Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, reforms were made to church services and the Bible was translated into English for the first time.

Destruction and Renewal

Tudor rule was not always peaceful in Canterbury. During a Protestant uprising, St Augustine’s Abbey was destroyed and converted into a royal palace. The shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral was also ruined. Despite this destruction, the Tudor era saw Canterbury Cathedral rebuilt and refurbished in a grand Gothic style.

Education and Exploration

The Tudor period also saw the founding of The King’s School, one of England’s oldest schools, in 1541. Meanwhile, explorers set sail from the Kent coast near Canterbury to discover new trade routes and claim lands for the British Empire. Sea captains like Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh were prominent figures associated with Tudor Canterbury.

A City Transformed

By the end of the Tudor dynasty, Canterbury had been transformed. No longer just a religious centre, it had become a seat of education, culture, trade, and politics under the Tudors. The Anglican Church was firmly established and the cathedral had been restored to its former glory. Although Canterbury’s change to Protestantism was not always peaceful, the Tudor era marked the city’s emergence as a focal point of the new reformed faith in England.

Modern Canterbury: Wars, Industry and Tourism in Recent Centuries

Post-World War II Era

After surviving the bombings of World War II, Canterbury began rebuilding in the post-war era. The city focused on expanding its tourism, education and commercial sectors. In the 1970s, the University of Kent brought thousands of students to the city, cementing Canterbury’s status as a university town.

Tourism and Pilgrimage

Tourism has always been central to Canterbury’s economy. Even today, over 6 million visitors flock to the city each year to see its UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey. Or enjoy an insightful Guided River Tour!

Commercial Growth

While tourism drove much of its economy, Canterbury also grew commercially in the mid-20th century. Light industries like printing, engineering and retail took root. The city became a regional commercial hub, though not quite reaching the scale of major cities like London or Brighton.

Preservation and Development

There has been an ongoing balancing act between preserving Canterbury’s historic architecture and developing the city’s infrastructure and economy. Strict laws protect Canterbury’s mediaeval aesthetics, but the city still needed to build new housing, businesses and transport links to support its growing population and tourism industry.

Overall, Canterbury weathered the 20th century through wars and economic changes, never losing sight of its rich history. The city embraced tourism and education while strengthening its commercial sector, allowing Canterbury to thrive as a heritage destination and university city in the modern age. Though centuries have passed, Canterbury remains a peaceful city of faith, culture and natural beauty.

Canterbury Today: A Thriving University City Rich in History

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Today, Canterbury is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, attracting over 6 million visitors each year who come to immerse themselves in its history and culture. The city centre still retains its mediaeval charm, with winding cobbled streets and timber-framed buildings at every turn. Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine’s Abbey are two of the most popular attractions, providing a glimpse into the city’s religious heritage.

A Student City

Canterbury is also home to two universities with over 30,000 students. The University of Kent and Canterbury Christ Church University have sites throughout the city, giving it a lively, youthful vibe. The student population supports a buzzing music scene, with many pubs, bars, and live music venues. The city bursts into life during term time, creating an energetic atmosphere that complements Canterbury’s historic character.

Culture and Arts

Aside from its history, Canterbury has a thriving arts and cultural scene. The Marlowe Theatre hosts major touring shows, comedians, and musicians. The Beaney House of Art and Knowledge is Canterbury’s central museum, art gallery, and library. It has both permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of art, history, and science. Smaller venues like The Foundry and The Black Gryphon support local artists, hosting art exhibitions, craft fairs, poetry readings, and more.

Overall, Canterbury seamlessly blends its rich history with a modern, cosmopolitan city. The stunning architecture and winding lanes are juxtaposed with a buzzing university culture and arts scene. This fusion of old and new gives Canterbury a charm all of its own, cementing its status as one of England’s most captivating cities.

Conclusion

So there you have it – Canterbury’s epic history from Roman times right up to the present day. You’ve seen how this plucky English city has survived plagues, fires, wars, and even murder to become the welcoming historic gem it is today. Canterbury’s winding mediaeval streets and beautiful River stour have tales to tell around every corner. Its grand cathedral still watches over the city and its pilgrims. And its people and university breathe new life into its ancient bones every day. Canterbury’s seen it all yet still stands proud. So next time you’re roaming this sceptered isle, make sure to stop awhile in Canterbury, whose incredible past continues to shape its future.