Good Reasons to Check out Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral has a lengthy and storied history indeed. It is one of the most famous architectural structures in the whole of England, having been immortalized in song, novels, and the mind of the British people for centuries. It is hardly surprising that Canterbury has been a very important destination for a thousand years or more, and to this day it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Heritage. Along with the neighbouring St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s church, Canterbury Cathedral is a component of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Therefore it is a fantastic location for anybody with an affinity for the past, from the casual fancy of an everyday tourist to the specialised interests of the experienced historian. Canterbury has functioned as the seat for the Christian church in England since Pope Gregory the Great sent a mission to the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The man picked to head this mission, St. Augustine, established the cathedral at Canterbury in the year 602 AD and became its first archbishop. The first building is no more standing, having been rebuilt almost fully early in the Norman time. The design of the present cathedral mainly dates back to the 1077 dedication. Under the instruction of Archbishop St. Anselm from 1093 to 1109, the choir section at the eastern end was greatly increased and an enormous and ornate crypt constructed under it. In the course of the long history of Canterbury Cathedral the church has seen baptisms, weddings, and burials of a few of England’s most well known royals, along with its share of scandals and assassinations. Art. Obviously, when one thinks of Cathedrals and artwork the first thing to spring to mind is the ornate stained glass works that are so common. And although the stained glass windows of Canterbury are wonderful as well as, occasionally, seven or eight hundred years old, the artistic importance the Cathedral encompasses much much more. There are intricate carvings and paintings to appreciate and in a sense, the entire building is a masterpiece of design. The medieval constructors of these ornate types of Cathedrals were the best of the best, and they were all attempting to develop a church that would astound and impress visitors. With the possible exclusion of particular palaces owed to the wealthiest of nobles, cathedrals were the greatest and most ornate buildings in the western world. Music. The current Canterbury Cathedral takes great delight in its musical programs. It has a professional choir of twelve members: four basses, four tenors, and four countertenors. The Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral comprise of a team of thirty boys whose ages vary from eight to thirteen. The Cathedral holds all of its musicians to the highest of standards, and the audition process is quite special. Shows and events presenting other choral groups and orchestras are held at Canterbury Cathedral, giving a lofty atmosphere to any musical piece. Discover more information about Canterbury Cathedral

