The cathedral contains the tomb of Edward, the Black Prince, who requested to be buried in the crypt, though his effigy lies in the Trinity Chapel.
King Henry IV is the only English monarch buried within the cathedral walls.
The cathedral's library holds a collection of over 30,000 historic volumes and manuscripts dating back to the 9th century.
The site includes a 'Water Tower' from the 12th century, which was part of a sophisticated medieval hydraulic system.
The choir floor features a unique pattern of Purbeck marble and limestone, designed to guide pilgrims toward the site of the former Becket shrine.
The stained glass windows suffered extensive damage during the English Civil War when puritan soldiers shot them out with muskets.
Canterbury Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and the mother church of the Anglican Communion. The current structure, a primary example of Early English Gothic and Romanesque architecture, replaced the original Anglo-Saxon building following a fire in 1174. Its most distinctive feature is the Trinity Chapel, which originally housed the shrine of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop murdered inside the cathedral in 1170. The site features significant medieval stained glass, including the 12th-century 'Miracle Windows' depicting events attributed to Becket. The cathedral's central tower, known as Bell Harry, stands 235 feet tall and dates to the late 15th century. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site forming part of the 'Canterbury World Heritage Site' alongside St Augustine's Abbey and St Martin's Church. The Precincts contain various historic monastic buildings, including a Norman staircase and an infirmary ruin.
From the south-west side of the Precincts, looking toward the Bell Harry Tower to capture the full scale of the Gothic facade.
Check the cathedral website for scheduled choir services, as these may limit access to certain areas of the nave.
Walk through the Herb Garden in the Precincts, which is modeled after 12th-century monastic gardens.
Look for the medieval stone carvings hidden in the dark corners of the crypt.
Visiting on days when major enthronements or archiepiscopal services are scheduled, as parts of the cathedral may be restricted to the public.
Occasional closures for private religious services or state events; always check the 'daily calendar' on the official website before travel.
Dress modestly by covering shoulders and knees; remove hats when entering the cathedral space; refrain from using flash photography inside.
