St MARTIN'S, Canterbury

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St MARTIN’S, Canterbury

St Martin's is the oldest ecclesiastical building in Britain still used as a church. It was the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent, the Christian Queen of the pagan King Ethelbert of Kent in the 6th century. This was before the arrival of St Augustine to convert the southern English to Christianity; St Augustine is said to have used St Martin's as a base before founding the nearby abbey and cathedral. The church, by tradition, is thought to be a renovated Roman building. It was enlarged in the 7th century, extended in the 11th century and the tower was added in the 14th century. The creator of Rupert Bear, Mary Tourtel, is buried in the graveyard.

St Martin's is part of the World Heritage Site that includes Canterbury Cathedral and the ruins of St Augustine's Abbey. The church has limited opening and depends on volunteers; check the website before making a special journey.

Region/Nation
Location/Address
North Homes Road
Canterbury
County
Kent
Post Code
CT1 1QJ
Main Historic Period
Saxon
Useful Website Address
Tip/Nearby
St Augustine's Abbey is nearby. It is at least a 30 minute walk from the Cathedral and there is very limited parking.
Primary Management
Church Authorities

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