Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound. On this tour you will learn about Thomas’ rise from humble beginnings to become an integral part of King Henry II’s circle, trusted Chancellor and eventually Archbishop of Canterbury. You will discover the fierce arguments that shattered Thomas and the King’s relationship and divided the church, eventually leading to Thomas’ violent murder in the Cathedral in 1170, which sent shockwaves throughout the Christian world, all in the place where the events happened. You can see the sites of Thomas’ two tombs and uncover tales of miracles associated with Thomas’ burial place, which led to Canterbury becoming a hugely important destination for pilgrimage throughout the middle ages, as commemorated in Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales. You can also learn how a later king, Henry VIII, attempted to destroy all trace of Thomas’ burial place, and how the Cathedral’s stained glass windows kept Thomas’ story alive and help ensure that he is remembered to this day.

Dates

• • Wed 6 March, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 13 March, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 20 March, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 27 March, 11:15-12:30

   

  • Wed 3 April, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 10 April, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 17 April, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 24 April, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 3 April, 11:15-12:30

   

  • Wed 1 May, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 8 May, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 15 May, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 22 May, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 29 May, 11:15-12:30

   

  • Wed 5 June, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 12 June, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 19 June, 11:15-12:30
  • Wed 26 June, 11:15-12:30

£5 per person, plus admission charge. Book at our Visitor Centre, or reserve your space by emailing visits@canterbury-cathedral.org