Today was an “Audrey Tour” on overdrive. We left our hotel at nine this morning and didn’t get home until after nine this evening. Today was Canterbury Cathedral Day.
Canterbury is approximately one hundred miles from our castle and much of the drive is over back country roads. Fortunately through trial and a lot of error we are gaining knowledge of the highways of Kent England. The day was sunny and cool and the ride up was pleasant.
Canterbury is a town steeped in history. It was here that the early pilgrims came from long distances to visit the tomb of St. Thomas a Becket whom they worshiped. St. Thomas was archbishop of Canterbury and most revered for his “miracles” and kindness. King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his first wife so that he could marry Ann Boleyn. St. Thomas refused to grant him the divorce and so a great falling out occurred between St. Thomas and King Henry. King Henry had St. Thomas killed in this cathedral in 1170 and went on to start the Anglican religion. Two years after his death the Catholic Church canonized St. Thomas and thus the pilgrimages began. Throughout the town there are many old places where the pilgrims were cared for when they reached Canterbury.
The cathedral is magnificent. It is called “The Mother Church of England” and it is easy to see why. Pictures cannot do it justice. The sheer size of it is awesome. It took several centuries to build it to where it is today. It suffered a couple of fires along the way and each time was built back larger. The delicate carvings and marble stone work throughout its multi-level interior speak volumes for the craftsmen of the 11th to 19th century. One small area in the vestibule we were told took thirty years to construct. The church was begun in 1070 and the last expansion to this church was done in 1845. Nothing built today can rival its beauty.
We spent a fair amount of time walking around the town of Canterbury, stopping for a coffee and sweet roll to maintain our energy. The town is an eclectic mix of shops many in old historic buildings. There is even Mc Donald’s and Starbucks and Subway for those who just have to have American.
After Canterbury we stopped in a quaint northern town called Faversham. The guidebook referred to it as “Quaint Olde England” and it sure did look like something out of a Hollywood movie set. By now we were quite thirsty and just had to stop at the local pub for a glass of locally brewed ale. We ended our visit to this charming town with a delightful dinner in an Italian Restaurant (there’s only so much Fish and Chips one can consume).
The ride back home was a real challenge because it was now getting dark and we were a very long way away. Traveling in the dark, going very fast on tiny back roads with headlights coming at you and not knowing if you were on the right road at times made for a few more heart-stopping moments but fortunately we arrived home safely. It was too late to post this blog this evening because the Internet connection is only in the lobby of the hotel. I hope those of you who are following our travels were not too disappointed.
Canterbury is approximately one hundred miles from our castle and much of the drive is over back country roads. Fortunately through trial and a lot of error we are gaining knowledge of the highways of Kent England. The day was sunny and cool and the ride up was pleasant.
Canterbury is a town steeped in history. It was here that the early pilgrims came from long distances to visit the tomb of St. Thomas a Becket whom they worshiped. St. Thomas was archbishop of Canterbury and most revered for his “miracles” and kindness. King Henry VIII wanted to divorce his first wife so that he could marry Ann Boleyn. St. Thomas refused to grant him the divorce and so a great falling out occurred between St. Thomas and King Henry. King Henry had St. Thomas killed in this cathedral in 1170 and went on to start the Anglican religion. Two years after his death the Catholic Church canonized St. Thomas and thus the pilgrimages began. Throughout the town there are many old places where the pilgrims were cared for when they reached Canterbury.
The cathedral is magnificent. It is called “The Mother Church of England” and it is easy to see why. Pictures cannot do it justice. The sheer size of it is awesome. It took several centuries to build it to where it is today. It suffered a couple of fires along the way and each time was built back larger. The delicate carvings and marble stone work throughout its multi-level interior speak volumes for the craftsmen of the 11th to 19th century. One small area in the vestibule we were told took thirty years to construct. The church was begun in 1070 and the last expansion to this church was done in 1845. Nothing built today can rival its beauty.
We spent a fair amount of time walking around the town of Canterbury, stopping for a coffee and sweet roll to maintain our energy. The town is an eclectic mix of shops many in old historic buildings. There is even Mc Donald’s and Starbucks and Subway for those who just have to have American.
After Canterbury we stopped in a quaint northern town called Faversham. The guidebook referred to it as “Quaint Olde England” and it sure did look like something out of a Hollywood movie set. By now we were quite thirsty and just had to stop at the local pub for a glass of locally brewed ale. We ended our visit to this charming town with a delightful dinner in an Italian Restaurant (there’s only so much Fish and Chips one can consume).
The ride back home was a real challenge because it was now getting dark and we were a very long way away. Traveling in the dark, going very fast on tiny back roads with headlights coming at you and not knowing if you were on the right road at times made for a few more heart-stopping moments but fortunately we arrived home safely. It was too late to post this blog this evening because the Internet connection is only in the lobby of the hotel. I hope those of you who are following our travels were not too disappointed.
Well, I WAS wondering, but glad ur both ok. I'm an alarmist ya know. That cathedral looks magnificent. So glad u 2 r seeing everything you can see. It's been a week already so soak it all up!! STAY SAFE!!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, I think I might have hit something by mistake here....like u said "it happens"...so not sure u got my comments.
ReplyDeleteJust caught up on the 'tours' - nice job Audrey and good driving Charley. Sounds terrific, Ann wants to know what's better, the food or the churches/castles? Keep blogging---
ReplyDeleteDnA
Great blogging...we arrived from NY Sunday so we ar catching up on all your great tours and escapades. I have a cold and stayed home so I am reading all you've done...I like the pub, with all the books...the lady above looks just like my grandma!!!!
ReplyDelete