Canterbury

You will be met by your guide, Dr Anthony Medhurst, outside The Hampton by Hilton hotel in St Margaret's Street. Here you will hear about the Iron Age origins of Canterbury; two preliminary raids in 55BC and 54BC by Julius Caesar; and the significant impact of the Roman invasion and settlement in AD43-410. You will have the opportunity to view the remains of the Roman theatre built in AD 80 which was further developed into a venue for 3000+ people and is located right under your feet! You will also view the adjacent Roman road, Watling Street, which passes next to the theatre and runs straight through Canterbury between London and Dover, as well as the location of a nearby temple complex and public bath houses.

Canterbury

We will then walk to the corner of St Margaret's St and High Street which is at the crossroads of the Roman city. Here you will learn about the murder of Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, at the hands of four knights acting for King Henry II. The subsequent declaration of miracles attributed to those who came into contact with the spilt blood of Thomas within the Cathedral, lead to his sainthood and Canterbury becoming the focus for pilgrimage for many to his tomb. You will discover what it was like to be a pilgrim coming to Canterbury between 1170-1538 and see the remains of shops, inns and accommodation they used.