Canterbury, the Tales, the Ghosts and the Cathedral

 
 
 

Canterbury is a wonderful city and a must see on your London tour. Especially since it is about 2 hours on the train and you can come and go in the same day.

My first view of the inside of the Cathedral was amazing. I have never seen a cathedral that was as impressive. It was formerly a Roman Catholic Church, built in 560 AD, and founded by St. Augustine in 602. It is one of the oldest church in England. During World War II, the stained glass windows were removed for safekeeping. This was a very wise decision as the replacement windows were blown in. The Cathedral dominates the center of the town and is a 10 minute walk from the train station. Be sure to walk outside the church and see the cloister. They are the original cloisters that were completed in the 15th century tho the graves here are fairly modern.

Next, we spent the day exploring the city and avoiding the hail storm (hot chocolate for Nancy and cappuccino for Maryke and me). After dinner we joined Jack Finch for a tour of the ghostly city of Canterbury and heard the tales of ghost still walking the city. Be sure to stop at St.Arbucks (next to the church) for a cup of coffee. Jack's tour is definitely worth your time and he is a character in his own right!

After a restful night at our B&B (Ersham Lodge run by the very gracious Elaine and David Kemp) we took advantage of our sunny day and joined George on the River Stour tour. It is another must do... especially if George is there. You will see the dunking stool, the Franciscan monastery and learn about the River that goes through the center of town.

Be sure to walk the roman wall that surrounds the city to this day, and go to the museum to see Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and experience the sights and sounds of those days.