Canterbury Cathedral is the most popular historic church in Kent. It has been a destination for pilgrims since the 12th century, but there are other churches in Kent

Canterbury Cathedral

St. Augustine travelled from Rome to the shores of Kent in 579. He settled in Canterbury where he began to convert pagans to Christianity. sent by Pope Gregory the Great and was given St Martin’s Church, the oldest church in England still in use. Augustine built the first cathedral, becoming the first Archbishop of Canterbury. The cathedral was rebuilt completely by the Normans in 1070 following a major fire.

Canterbury’s role as one of the world’s most important pilgrimage centres in Europe is inextricably linked to the assassination of its most famous Archbishop, Thomas Becket, in 1170, who was killed in the cathedral.

The work of the Cathedral as a monastery came to an end in 1540, when the monastery was closed on the orders of King Henry VIII. Yet its role as a place of prayer has continued over 1,400 years and nearly 2,000 services are held each year.

St John the Baptist's Church, Tunstall

This Grade 1 listed church has great art-historical significance. Dating back to the 13th century and made from local flint with some brick, it has a 13th century chancel and a 14th century nave and was extended in the 17th century. In 1848-56 it underwent a heavy round of restoration by R C Hussey, and much of his legacy survives in the building today.(read more)

St Nicholas’s Church, Rodersham

This Grade 1 listed church built with local flint had a 13th century chancel, 14th century nave and 15th century west tower. It was extensively restored between 1875 and 1893 when a south porch with wrought iron outer gates was added as well as a perpendicular style east window to the chancel. The altar, reredos, brass altar rail, pulpit, octagonal font and reading desk are all 19th century.(read more)

St Mary's Church, Brook

St Mary's is one of the most complete Norman churches in England, dating almost entirely to the late 11th century. It was owned from the start by Canterbury Cathedral, which may explain why it has remained so unaltered over time. There are 13th century wall paintings considered among the finest in England in a striking monochrome scheme.