Canterbury
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Canterbury from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover your local listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Canterbury's most historic sites, included in the National Heritage List for England. Some of these captions have been summarised by AI. Click through for the official List entry.
Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey and St. Marti…
Canterbury
The official listing for all World Heritage sites is held by UNESCO and can be found on their website.
Eastbridge Hospital
Canterbury
Eastbridge Hospital, founded in 1180 for pilgrims visiting St Thomas Becket's shrine, was restored in the 20th century. It features a medieval chapel and an original dormitory undercroft.
Dane John Mound and Roman and medieval remains in Dane Jo…
Canterbury
The Dane John Mound, a motte and bailey castle, embodies a significant Norman fortification tradition with historical importance linked to its Roman burial mound origins.
Church of St Nicholas
Harbledown and Rough Common
Church, originally part of a leprosy hospital, late C11 with C12 and C14 additions.
Chapel of St Pancras Ruins Remains of St Augustine's Abbey
Canterbury
The Abbey, dating from 598 AD, features Roman bricks and houses relics of religious figures, including St Augustine. The Norman nave wall is well-preserved.
Dane John Gardens
Canterbury
Dane John Gardens transformed from burials to public gardens by Alderman James Simmons in 1790, featuring historical mound, terrace walk, and city views.
Greyfriars, Canterbury
Canterbury
Franciscan friary, founded 1224 by Agnellus of Pisa, rebuilt 1267-1325, dissolved 1538.(NB The layout of the historic centre of Canterbury is determined by the north-west/south-east axis of...
Canterbury War Memorial, Buttermarket, Canterbury
Canterbury
War memorial unveiled on 10 October 1921. The architect was Professor Arthur Beresford Pite MA FRIBA and the sculptor was Benjamin Clemens. The bronze tablets were added the following year.
Canterbury Castle
Canterbury
The scheduled monument includes the keep of the tower keep castle at Canterbury, part of its bailey, a sample of land just outside the bailey, the postern gate of the later enclosure castle...
St Augustine's Abbey
Canterbury
St Augustine's Abbey, established by St Augustine in 597, marked a pivotal early monastic site in England, later a royal palace, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Archbishop's Palace or the Old Palace
Canterbury
The Archbishop's Palace, rebuilt in 1896 by W.D Caröe, retains elements from the 14th and 16th centuries, including old buttresses and a trefoil-headed window.
Diocesan and Payne Smith Church of England Primary School…
Canterbury
School. Designed in 1847 as National Schools by William Butterfield (1814-1900) in Early English style, the builder Edward Homersham.
40, North Lane, 16, St Stephen's Field, 39, North Lane
Canterbury
39 and 40 North Lane are part of an L-shaped 15th-century timber-framed building with 18th-century brick facade, featuring dormers and sash windows.
War memorial cross at The King's School, Canterbury
Canterbury
First World War memorial designed by Sir Herbert Baker FRIBA RA, unveiled 1921, with later additions for the Second World War.
Church of St Mildred
Canterbury
The Church of St Mildred is important for its Saxon walling, medieval features, fine woodwork, and historical stained glass, making it a rare surviving Anglo-Saxon church in Kent.
The Church of St Dunstan's Without the West Gate
Canterbury
The nave is late C11 or early C12 in origin. The NW chapel was built in 1330. The S aisle is late C14 and the SW tower is late C14 or early C15.
Cumberland Cottage Pear Tree Cottage
Harbledown and Rough Common
Cumberland Cottage and Pear Tree Cottage, former Duke of Cumberland Inn, are 18th-century structures known for their red brick facades and characteristic dormers.
The Guildhall
Canterbury
The medieval undercroft and remnants of a guildhall in Canterbury survive well, featuring significant architectural details and holding archaeological potential.
The Former Blackfriars Monastery
Canterbury
A former Blackfriars Monastery from the 13th century, featuring flint facing, stone quoins, and a restored tiled roof, along with 18th-century brick extension.
Entrance Lodge, Octagonal Perimeter Wall, Octagon and A, …
Canterbury
The former Canterbury Prison, comprising the entrance lodge, perimeter wall, Octagon and A, B and C wings. The prison was designed by the architect George Byfield and completed in 1808.
Church of St Alphege With St Margaret
Canterbury
The church was almost its present size in the late C12 or early C13. NW tower, N chapel, chancel and nave are all late C12 or early C13 in origin. Some C14 windows.
The gateway of St Nicholas's Hospital and St Nicholas's F…
Harbledown and Rough Common
Farmhouse, originally a chantry house; C16 or earlier, remodelled in 1685.
Father Courage
Canterbury
Public sculpture (including plinth) entitled 'Father Courage', 1960, by F E McWilliam.
County of Kent War Memorial Cross
Canterbury
First World War memorial cross designed by Sir Herbert Baker FRIBA, unveiled 1921.
Abbot's Mill footbridge and sluice
Canterbury
Abbot's Mill footbridge and sluice, dated 1829, controls the flow of the River Stour, and is associated with Abbot's Mill, an C18 water mill which stood on the site of successive earlier...
Gatepier and Wall to north side of Longport and west side…
Canterbury
Circa 1808 gatepier and wall to the north side of Longport and the west side of North Holmes Road.
Canterbury East Signal Box
Canterbury
Signal box, circa 1911 for the South Eastern & Chatham Railway company on the Chatham and Dover Railway Line.
Prior's Chapel
Canterbury
Prior's Chapel in the Cathedral Precincts, dating from circa 1260, features an undercroft integrated into the 1660 brick Hawley garrison Library.
Dark Entry
Canterbury
Dark Entry is a medieval passageway between the Dormitory and Chapter House of Christchurch Monastery.
Chapter House to Christchurch Cathedral
Canterbury
The Chapter House to Christchurch Cathedral, built in 1304, features a simple arcade of pointed arches and a wooden waggon vault roof from 1397.
Cloister to Christchurch Cathedral
Canterbury
Built as the Great Cloister for the monastery of Christ Church, the structure was reconstructed under Prior Chillenden between 1390 and 1411, featuring intricate heraldic bosses.
Remains of Cellarer's Hall in Archbishop's Palace Garden
Canterbury
The remains of the Cellarer's Hall in the Archbishop's Palace garden feature a preserved north-east angle and newel stair.
Christchurch Gateway
Canterbury
Christchurch Gateway, built in 1517 and restored in the 1930s, features octagonal turrets and heraldic shields commemorating Prince Arthur, Henry VII's eldest son.
Piece of wall belonging to the original St Nicholas's Hos…
Harbledown and Rough Common
Stone wall, possibly late C11.
Church of St Paul Without the Walls
Canterbury
The medieval church had a W tower, nave and chancel together with a S aisle and chapel: C13 work is clearly evident in what is now the arcade between the N aisle and nave.
Wall and Railings to former Sessions House and Canterbury…
Canterbury
Wall and railings to the former Sessions House and Canterbury Prison.
The Cemetery Gateway at St Augustine's College
Canterbury
The Cemetery Gateway at St Augustine's College, originating from the 14th century, features a restored stone arch with an upper chamber, octagonal turrets, and a crenellated parapet.
Canterbury through time
This timeline shows the first period of use for buildings and places on the National Heritage List for England, just one of the details recorded for every list entry. Click around to see how Canterbury changes over time.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Catholic Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanently altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Canterbury
Aerial photography helps reveal secrets of England's changing landscapes that are impossible to see from the ground.
Canterbury
Christchurch Cathedral, Canterbury, 1920
Canterbury
View looking north over the Cathedral and city centre, Canterbury, 1973
Canterbury
Cricket match in progress at the County Cricket Ground (St Lawrence Ground), Canterbury, 1927
Canterbury
Canterbury, a cricket match in progress at the St Lawrence Ground, 1950
Canterbury
Canterbury, Kent, 1920
Canterbury
Christ Church Cathedral and the surrounding city, Canterbury, 1948
Canterbury
The city centre, Canterbury, 1947
Canterbury
Christ Church Cathedral and the city, Canterbury, 1948
Canterbury
Christchurch Cathedral and the city, Canterbury, 1923
Canterbury
Christchurch Cathedral and the cathedral close, Canterbury, 1947
Canterbury in the Historic England Archive
The Historic England Archive cares for over 15 million images, dating from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Canterbury's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
A general view of the Dane John Gardens
Eric de Mare
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1956
Exterior elevation of St Stephens Maltings in Canterbury showing the Mackeson and Company's Maltings.
John Gay Collection: Counties
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: Apr 1954
The north-west tower of Canterbury Cathedral, seen through an arch of the Great Cloister
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 06 Jul 1909 - 09 Jul 1909
Looking up at the 19th century monument to James Simmons on the top of Dane John Mound
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1900 - 1930
GENERAL VIEW FROM THE AVENUE
Walter Scott
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1920 - 1940
Exterior view showing a First World War tank in front of Canterbury Town Walls
Charles George Harper Collection
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Two boys walking past the ruins of Canterbury Castle
Eric de Mare
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1956
Exterior elevation of St Stephen's Maltings in Canterbury showing a detail of the central section.
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 06 Jul 1909 - 09 Jul 1909
The south-west front of the rundown Christ Church Gate on Burgate, with a male figure leaning against the wall of the main archway
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Canterbury, Kent
Date created: 1907 - 1912
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING DANE JOHN FROM THE MOUND WITH BANDSTAND IN THE FOREGROUND
Stories about heritage in your local area
Historic England publishes news, blogs, research, videos, and podcasts celebrating England's rich heritage. Discover the stories we have about Canterbury.
The History of Religious Wall Paintings in England: From the Middle Ages to the Victorian Era
Mentions Christchurch Cathedral
Explore England's religious wall paintings, a blend of art and spirituality spanning the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
A Brief Introduction to Semi-Detached Housing
Mentions Aucher Close
Semi-detached housing is the most prevalent type of housing in England today, making up one third of the housing stock.
What Is the Oldest Building in England?
Mentions Church of St Martin
From the oldest church to archaeological remains, here are the contenders for England's oldest building.
5 Things to Know About Coronations
Mentions Christchurch Cathedral
Discover the history and heritage behind the ancient English coronation ceremony.
10 Historic Sites That Tell the Story of Katherine of Aragon in England
Mentions Christchurch Cathedral
Explore the significance of places visited or lived in by Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII.
A Guide to English Gothic Architecture
Mentions Canterbury Cathedral, St. Augustine's Abbey and St. Martin's Church
Learn how to identify the features and characteristics of medieval Gothic architecture in England.
13 Roman Ruins to Visit in England
Mentions Remains of Roman Town House
Remains of Roman Britain can be found everywhere, from walls left in our cities to forts and villas in the countryside.
The Mysterious Case of the Witch Bottle
Mentions Ducking Stool in Grounds of No 1
Discover how Bellarmine jugs may have been used to ward off witches for over 300 years
Heritage at Risk in the South East Revealed
Mentions Dane John Mound and Roman and medieval remains in Dane John Garden
25 sites have been saved and 15 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the South East of England.
Top 10 Faith & Belief places chosen to tell A History of England in 100 Places
Mentions Christchurch Cathedral
Top 10 faith and belief places in England chosen
National Collection of Sir Herbert Baker’s War Memorials Recognised
Mentions County of Kent War Memorial Cross, War memorial cross at The King's School, Canterbury
15 First World War memorials by Sir Herbert Baker have been listed or upgraded to commemorate the centenary of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
Public Asked to Chronicle the Nation’s Missing History
Mentions Ducking Stool in Grounds of No 1
The nation's list of historic buildings and places is now open to public contributions for the first time ever.
Canterbury's social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about their local area.
Westgate, Canterbury, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The Westgate was originally one of seven gates to the city of Canterbury.
Westgate, Canterbury, Kent
Westgate, Canterbury, Kent
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
A view of the Westgate which spans across London Road. The gate was built by Archbishop Sudbury in circa 1380.
Westgate, Canterbury, Kent
The Weavers, St Peters Street, Canterbury
Period: Tudor (1485 - 1602)
This building is dated 1500 and was one of the workshops of the Huguenot weavers.
The Weavers, St Peters Street, Canterbury
The 'Weavers', Canterbury, Kent
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
These timber-framed buildings on King's Bridge were adapted in the 17th century for the looms of the Walloon weavers.
The 'Weavers', Canterbury, Kent
The Old Leper Church Of St Nicholas, Harbledown, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
This church was built as part of a leper hospital. It was founded by Lanfranc, archbishop of Canterbury (1070-89), in about 1085.
The Old Leper Church Of St Nicholas, Harbledown, Kent
St Georges Street, Canterbury, Kent
Period: Edwardian (1902 - 1913)
A view of houses and shops.
St Dunstan's Street, Canterbury, Kent
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
A view of shops including the County Laundry in St Dunstan's Street with people and students waiting outside.
St Dunstan's Street, Canterbury, Kent
Poor Priests Hospital, Stour Street, Canterbury, Kent
Period: Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)
The Poor Priests' Hospital was founded in 1217 to provide care and shelter for sick and needy priests.
Poor Priests Hospital, Stour Street, Canterbury, Kent
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