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Canterbury Cathedral in United Kingdom

Canterbury, United Kingdom

Canterbury Cathedral

In 1170 an archbishop was killed here by four knights. After that it became the most visited holy place in England.

Biblical significance

3/5 · Well attested
cathedrals basilicasmartyr sitespilgrimage routes

Thomas Becket was killed in the north-west transept on 29 December 1170 after a quarrel with Henry II; he was canonised in under three years. Pilgrims came in such numbers that the Trinity Chapel steps are worn hollow, and Chaucer built the Canterbury Tales around the journey. Henry VIII destroyed the shrine in 1538; a single lit candle marks where it stood.

Scripture

Matthew 10:28

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Hebrews 13:7

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Excerpts from the World English Bible. Full text opens in the YouVersion Bible app.

Best time to go

Spring and autumn; Evensong any weekday for the choir.

Visitor notes

Entry fee; free for those attending services. Crypt is the largest Norman crypt in the world.

Coordinates

51.2798, 1.0830

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Getting to Canterbury Cathedral

Everything you need to turn this holy place into a journey. We may earn a commission from these partner links, at no extra cost to you.

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