Good Reasons to Check out Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral has a lengthy and fabled history indeed. It is one of the most renowned buildings in all of England, having been immortalized in song, novels, and the mind of the British people for centuries. It is hardly surprising that Canterbury has been an extremely important destination for a thousand years or more, and to this day it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists . History. Along with the close by St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s church, Canterbury Cathedral is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Consequently it is a wonderful destination for any one with an appreciation for earlier times, from the casual fancy of an everyday tourist to the unique interests of the experienced historian. Canterbury has functioned as the seat for the Christian church in England since Pope Gregory the Great sent a mission to the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The man picked out to steer this mission, St. Augustine, set up the cathedral at Canterbury in the year 602 AD and became its first archbishop. The initial design is no more standing, having been rebuilt almost fully early in the Norman age. The design and style of the present-day cathedral mostly dates to the 1077 dedication. Under the steerage of Archbishop St. Anselm from 1093 to 1109, the choir area at the eastern end was substantially enlarged and a massive and ornate crypt constructed below it. Through the long history of Canterbury Cathedral the church has seen baptisms, weddings, and burials of a number of England’s most prominent royals, together with its share of scandals and assassinations. Art. Of course, when one considers Cathedrals and artwork the primary thing to pop into your head is the ornate stained glass windows that are so common. And though the stained glass windows of Canterbury are gorgeous and, in some cases, seven or eight hundred years old, the artistic value the Cathedral encompasses much much more. There are delicate carvings and paintings to appreciate and in a sense, the overall building is a thing of beauty. The medieval constructors of these ornate types of Cathedrals were the creme de la creme, and they were all seeking to develop a church that would astound and amaze guests. With the possible exemption of particular palaces belonging to the most wealthy of nobles, cathedrals were the largest and most ornate buildings in the western world. Music. The contemporary Canterbury Cathedral takes great pleasure in its musical programs. It hosts a professional choir of twelve members: four basses, four tenors, and four countertenors. The Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral are made up of a group of thirty boys whose ages go from eight to thirteen. The Cathedral holds all of its musicians to the highest of standards, and the audition process is quite special. Concert events and occasions presenting other choral groups and orchestras are additionally held at Canterbury Cathedral, giving a lofty atmosphere to any musical piece. Find out more info about Canterbury Cathedral
