View source for Canterbury Cathedral

{{Use British English|date=June 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox church
| denomination     = [[Church of England]]
| previous denomination = [[Roman Catholic]]
| name             = Canterbury Cathedral
| fullname         = Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ, Canterbury
| image            = Canterbury-cathedral-wyrdlight.jpg
| caption          = Cathedral from the city entrance
| coordinates      = {{coord|51.2797|1.0831|region:GB|format=dms|display=inline,title}}
| country          = England
| location         = [[Canterbury]], Kent
| churchmanship    = [[Liberal Anglo-Catholic|Liberal Catholic]]
| website          = {{url|https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/}}
| consecrated date = 1070
| status           = [[Cathedral]]
| functional status = Active
| heritage designation = [[Listed building|Grade I listed]]
| designated date  = 3 December 1949<ref name=NHLECathedral/>
| architectural type = [[Church architecture#Latin cross and Greek cross|Cruciform basilica]]
| style            = [[Romanesque architecture|Romanesque]], [[English Gothic architecture|Gothic]]
| groundbreaking   = 1070
| completed date   = <br/>1834 (last major alteration)
| length           = {{cvt|525|ft|m}}
| length nave      = {{cvt|178|ft|m}}
| length choir     = {{cvt|180|ft|m}}
| width            = {{cvt|154|ft|m}}
| width nave       = {{cvt|71|ft|m}}
| height nave      = {{cvt|80|ft|m}}
| height choir     = {{cvt|71|ft|m}}
| tower quantity   = 5
| tower height     = {{cvt|236|ft|m}} (crossing)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.paradoxplace.com/Photo%20Pages/UK/Britain_South_and_West/Canterbury_Cathedral/Canterbury_External/Canterbury_External.htm|title=A Walk Around Canterbury Cathedral|website=ParadoxPlace.com|access-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171003162455/http://www.paradoxplace.com/Photo%20Pages/UK/Britain_South_and_West/Canterbury_Cathedral/Canterbury_External/Canterbury_External.htm|archive-date=3 October 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| spire quantity   = 1 (now lost)
| spire height     = {{cvt|190|ft|m}} (northwest tower, demolished 1705)
| bells            = 14
| bells hung       = 1981
| bell weight      = 34-3-4 (1767&nbsp;kg)
| diocese          = [[Diocese of Canterbury|Canterbury]]
| province         = [[Province of Canterbury|Canterbury]]
| diocese start    = 1072
| archbishop       = Vacant (since 12 November 2024), {{nowrap|[[Archbishop of Canterbury]]}}
| bishop           = [[Rose&nbsp;Hudson-Wilkin]], [[Bishop of Dover]]
| dean             = [[David Monteith]]
| precentor        = Wendy Dalyrmple (from 5 November)
| canon            = Tim Naish (Librarian)
| canonmissioner   = Emma Pennington
| canontreasurer   = Andrew Dodd
| archdeacon       = [[Will Adam]] (Canon&nbsp;Residentiary)
| organistdom      = David Newsholme
| embedded         = {{designation list
|embed=yes
|designation1=WHS
|designation1_date=1988 (12th [[World Heritage Committee|session]])
|designation1_offname=Canterbury Cathedral, [[St Augustine's Abbey]], and [[St Martin's Church, Canterbury|St&nbsp;Martin's Church]]
|designation1_number=[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/496 496]
|designation1_criteria=i, ii, vi
|designation1_type=Cultural
|designation1_free1name=Region
|designation1_free1value=[[List of World Heritage Sites in Europe|Europe and North America]]
|designation2=UK Grade I
|designation2_offname=Christchurch Cathedral, the Cathedral Precincts
|designation2_number=1336823
|designation2_date=13 December 1949
}}
}}

'''Canterbury Cathedral''' is the [[cathedral]] of the [[archbishop of Canterbury]], the spiritual leader of the [[Church of England]] and symbolic leader of the worldwide [[Anglican Communion]]. Located in [[Canterbury]], Kent, it is one of the oldest [[Christianity|Christian]] structures in England and forms part of a [[World Heritage Site]]. Its formal title is the '''Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ, Canterbury'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/media/nibpmud2/canterbury-constitution-july_final-2023_19-7-2023.pdf|title=The Constitution|publisher=Canterbury Cathedral|date=July 2023|access-date=3 November 2023|archive-date=3 November 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103210904/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/media/nibpmud2/canterbury-constitution-july_final-2023_19-7-2023.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>{{efn|The word ''metropolitical'' refers to the archbishop of Canterbury's role as the [[metropolitan bishop]] of the [[Province of Canterbury]] in the Church of England.}}

Founded in 597, the cathedral was completely rebuilt between 1070 and 1077. The east end was greatly enlarged at the beginning of the 12th century, and largely rebuilt in the Gothic style following a fire in 1174, with significant eastward extensions to accommodate the flow of pilgrims visiting the shrine of [[Thomas Becket]], the archbishop who was murdered in the cathedral in 1170. The Norman nave and transepts survived until the late 14th century, when they were demolished to make way for the present structures.

Before the [[English Reformation]], the cathedral was part of a [[Benedictine]] monastic community known as '''Christ Church, Canterbury''', as well as being the seat of the archbishop.

== History ==

=== Roman ===
Christianity in Britain is referred to by [[Tertullian]] as early as 208 AD<ref>"In all parts of Spain, among the various nations of Gaul, in districts of Britain inaccessible to the Romans but subdued to Christ, in all these the kingdom and name of Christ are venerated." THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IN THESE ISLANDS BEFORE THE COMINGOF AUGUSTINE by Rev GF Browne,four Lectures delivered at St. Paul's in January 1894 [https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31872/31872-h/31872-h.htm p54] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204171247/https://www.gutenberg.org/files/31872/31872-h/31872-h.htm |date=4 February 2022 }}, accessed 4 February 2022</ref> and Origen mentions it in 238 AD. In 314 three Bishops from Britain attended the [[Synod of Arles#Council of Arles in 314|Council of Arles]].<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_3BKEAAAQBAJ&dq=eborius+bishop+arles&pg=PT199|isbn=978-1-5267-8129-1|title=A Historical Guide to Roman York|date=30 December 2021|publisher=Pen and Sword History}}</ref> Following the end of Roman life in Britain, during the first three decades of the fifth century,<ref name="auto">Sharpe, Richard (2002). "Martyrs and Local Saints in Late Antique Britain". Local Saints and Local Churches in the Early Medieval West. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p.86. ISBN 0-19-820394-2.</ref> and the subsequent arrival of the [[Anglo-Saxon paganism|heathen]] [[Anglo-Saxon migration|Anglo-Saxons]], Christian life in the east of the island was disrupted.<ref name="auto"/> Textual sources however suggest that the Christian communities established in the Roman province survived in Western Britain during the fourth, fifth, and sixth centuries.<ref name="auto1">Sharpe, Richard (2002). "Martyrs and Local Saints in Late Antique Britain". Local Saints and Local Churches in the Early Medieval West. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p.85. ISBN 0-19-820394-2.</ref> This Western British Christianity proceeded to develop on its own terms.<ref name="auto1"/>

In 596, [[Pope Gregory I]] ordered [[Augustine of Canterbury|Augustine]], the [[abbot]] of [[San Gregorio Magno al Celio|St Andrew's Benedictine Abbey]] in Rome, to lead the [[Gregorian Mission]] to [[Christianisation of Anglo-Saxon England|convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity]].<ref name="auto2">Sharpe, Richard (2002). "Martyrs and Local Saints in Late Antique Britain". Local Saints and Local Churches in the Early Medieval West. Oxford: Oxford University Press. p.91. ISBN 0-19-820394-2.</ref> According to the writings of the later monk [[Bede]], these Augustinian missionaries gained permission from the Kentish king to restore several pre-existing churches.<ref name="auto2"/> Augustine then founded Canterbury cathedral in 597 and dedicated it to [[Jesus]] Christ, the [[Jesus as Savior|Holy Saviour]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canterbury Cathedral- A Virtual Tour|access-date=7 October 2008|url=http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~dvess/ids/medieval/canterbury/canterbury.shtml|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081228204322/http://www.faculty.de.gcsu.edu/~dvess/ids/medieval/canterbury/canterbury.shtml|archive-date=28 December 2008}}</ref> When other dioceses were founded in England, Augustine of Canterbury was made archbishop.

Augustine also founded the [[St Augustine's Abbey|Abbey of St Peter and Paul]] outside the [[Defensive wall|Canterbury city walls]]. This was later rededicated to St Augustine<ref>{{Cite web |title=Canterbury Cathedral |url=https://www.thekenttourist.co.uk/canterbury-cathedral |access-date=2025-11-08 |website=The Kent Tourist |language=en-GB}}</ref> himself and was for many centuries the burial place of the successive archbishops. The abbey is part of the [[World Heritage Site]] of Canterbury, along with the cathedral and the ancient [[Church of St. Martin, Canterbury|Church of St Martin]].<ref>{{cite book|title=UNESCO, Cultural Heritage, and Outstanding Universal Value: Value-based Analyses of the World Heritage and Intangible Cultural Heritage Conventions|first=Sophia|last=Labadi|publisher=Rowman & Littlefield|year=2013|page=170|isbn=978-0-7591-2256-7}}</ref>
{{Multiple image
| align             = centre
| direction         = horizontal
| perrow            = 2
| total_width       = 600
| image1            = Augustine of Canterbury sculpture on Canterbury Cathedral.jpg
| caption1          = Sculpture of St Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, on Canterbury Cathedral.
| image2            = St Augustine's Abbey with Canterbury Cathedral in fog 2024-12-29.jpg
| caption2          = Canterbury Cathedral seen from St Augustine's Abbey in fog — both form part of the World Heritage Site of Canterbury.
}}

=== Early Medieval ===
[[File:Canterburycathedralthrone.jpg|thumb|upright=0.8|left|The archiepiscopal throne in Canterbury Cathedral]]
[[Bede]] recorded that Augustine reused a former Roman church. The oldest remains found during excavations beneath the present nave in 1993 were, however, parts of the foundations of an [[Anglo-Saxon architecture|Anglo-Saxon]] building, which had been constructed across a Roman road.<ref name =archae>{{cite web|title=AD 1000 — Canterbury Cathedral|date=24 May 2007|publisher=Current Archaeology|url=http://www.archaeology.co.uk/the-timeline-of-britain/canterbury-cathedral.htm|access-date=16 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100917081128/http://archaeology.co.uk/the-timeline-of-britain/canterbury-cathedral.htm|archive-date=17 September 2010|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=trust /> They indicate that the original church consisted of a nave, possibly with a [[narthex]], and side-chapels to the north and south. A smaller subsidiary building was found to the south-west of these foundations.<ref name=trust /> During the 9th or 10th century this church was replaced by a larger structure ({{cvt|49|by|23|m|disp=comma|order=flip}}) with a squared west end. It appears to have had a square central tower.<ref name=trust /> The 11th-century chronicler [[Eadmer]], who had known the Saxon cathedral as a boy, wrote that, in its arrangement, it resembled St Peter's in Rome, indicating that it was of [[basilica]]n form, with an eastern apse.{{sfn|Willis|1845|pp=20–21}}

During the reforms of [[Dunstan]], archbishop from 960 until his death in 988,<ref>{{cite web|title=St Dunstan (Biographical details)|url=https://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/term_details.aspx?bioId=29454|publisher=British Museum|access-date=13 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140414075109/http://www.britishmuseum.org/research/search_the_collection_database/term_details.aspx?bioId=29454|archive-date=14 April 2014|url-status=live}}</ref> a Benedictine abbey named Christ Church Priory was added to the cathedral. But the formal establishment as a monastery seems to date only to {{circa|997}} and the community only became fully monastic from [[Lanfranc]]'s time onwards (with monastic constitutions addressed by him to Prior Henry). Dunstan was buried on the south side of the high altar.

Anglo-Saxon King [[Æthelred the Unready]] and Norman-born [[Emma of Normandy]] were married at Canterbury Cathedral in the Spring of 1002, and Emma was consecrated "Queen [[Ælfgifu]]".<ref>Encomium Emmae Reginae
by Alistair Campbell, p. xl, https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.185337/page/n38/mode/1up?q=Imme</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://intriguing-history.com/emma-of-normandy/|title=Emma of Normandy, who was she?|date=3 August 2015|access-date=12 February 2022|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212191644/https://intriguing-history.com/emma-of-normandy/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The cathedral was badly damaged during Danish raids on Canterbury in 1011. The archbishop, [[Ælfheah of Canterbury|Ælfheah]], was taken hostage by the raiders and eventually killed at Greenwich on 19 April 1012, the first of Canterbury's five martyred archbishops.{{efn|Ælfheah is venerated as St Alphege.{{sfn|Farmer|1992|pp=17–18}}}} After this a western apse was added as an oratory of [[Saint Mary]], probably during the archbishopric of [[Lyfing (Archbishop of Canterbury)|Lyfing]] (1013–1020) or [[Æthelnoth (archbishop of Canterbury)|Aethelnoth]] (1020–1038).

The 1993 excavations revealed that the new western apse was polygonal, and flanked by hexagonal towers, forming a [[westwork]]. It housed the archbishop's throne, with the altar of St Mary just to the east. At about the same time that the westwork was built, the arcade walls were strengthened and towers added to the eastern corners of the church.<ref name=trust>{{cite web|title=Canterbury Cathedral|author1=Blockley, Kevin|author2=Bennett, Paul|publisher=Canterbury Archaeological Trust|url=http://www.hillside.co.uk/arch/cathedral/nave.html|access-date=12 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120412192117/http://www.hillside.co.uk/arch/cathedral/nave.html|archive-date=12 April 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Norman ===
The cathedral was destroyed by fire in 1067, a year after the Norman Conquest. Rebuilding began in 1070 under the first Norman archbishop, [[Lanfranc]] (1070–1077). He cleared the ruins and reconstructed the cathedral to a design based closely on that of the [[Abbaye-aux-Hommes|Abbey of Saint-Étienne]] in [[Caen]], where he had previously been abbot, using stone brought from France.{{sfn|Cook|1949|p=}} The new church, its central axis about 5&nbsp;m south of that of its predecessor,<ref name=trust /> was a cruciform building, with an aisled nave of nine bays, a pair of towers at the west end, aisleless transepts with apsidal chapels, a low crossing tower, and a short quire ending in three apses. It was dedicated in 1077.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=19–20}}
<gallery mode="packed" heights="230">
File:An essay on the history of English church architecture prior to the separation of England from the Roman obedience (1881) (14803396943).jpg|Plan of Canterbury Cathedral before the 1067 fire
File:Canterbury Cathedral 1174b.png|The Norman cathedral, after its expansion by [[Ernulf]] and Conrad
File:Canterbury Cathedral (8636098050).jpg|Aerial view of Canterbury Cathedral
</gallery>
Under Lanfranc's successor [[St Anselm|Anselm]], who was twice exiled from England, the responsibility for the rebuilding or improvement of the cathedral's fabric was largely left in the hands of the [[Prior (ecclesiastical)|prior]]s.{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=4}} Following the election of Prior [[Ernulf]] in 1096, Lanfranc's inadequate east end was demolished, and replaced with an eastern arm 198 feet long, doubling the length of the cathedral. It was raised above a large and elaborately decorated [[crypt]]. Ernulf was succeeded in 1107 by Conrad, who completed the work by 1126.{{sfn|Cook|1949|p=19}} The new [[Choir (architecture)|quire]] took the form of a complete church in itself, with its own transepts; the east end was semicircular in plan, with three chapels opening off an [[ambulatory]].{{sfn|Cook|1949|p=19}} A free-standing [[campanile]] was built on a mound in the cathedral precinct in about 1160.<ref>{{cite web|title=Campanile mount|url=http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=464415|work=Pastscape|publisher=English Heritage|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404011805/http://www.pastscape.org.uk/hob.aspx?hob_id=464415|archive-date=4 April 2015}}</ref>

As with many Gothic church buildings, the interior of the quire was richly embellished.<ref name=roman>{{cite book|title=English Romanesque Art 1066–1200|url=https://archive.org/details/englishromanesqu0000unse|url-access=registration|year=1984|publisher=Arts Council of Great Britain|series=Catalogue of an Exhibition held at the Hayward Gallery, London, 5 April-8 July 1984|location=London|pages=[https://archive.org/details/englishromanesqu0000unse/page/33 33]–34}}</ref> [[William of Malmesbury]] wrote: "Nothing like it could be seen in England either for the light of its glass windows, the gleaming of its marble pavements, or the many-coloured paintings which led the eyes to the paneled ceiling above."<ref name=roman />

Though named after the 6th-century founding archbishop, the [[Chair of St Augustine]], the ceremonial enthronement chair of the Archbishop of Canterbury, may date from the Norman period. Its first recorded use is in 1205.

=== Plantagenet period ===
==== Martyrdom of Thomas Becket ====
[[File:Thomas-becket-window.jpg|thumb|right|Image of [[Thomas Becket]] from a [[stained glass]] window]]
A pivotal moment in the history of the cathedral was the [[murder]] of the archbishop, [[Thomas Becket]], in the north-west [[transept]] (also known as the Martyrdom) on Tuesday 29 December 1170, by knights of [[Henry II of England|King Henry II]]. The king had frequent conflicts with the strong-willed Becket and is said to have exclaimed in frustration, "[[Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest?]]" Four knights took it literally and murdered Becket in his own cathedral. After the Anglo-Saxon [[Ælfheah of Canterbury|Ælfheah]] in 1012, Becket was the second Archbishop of Canterbury to be murdered.

The posthumous veneration of Becket transformed the cathedral into a place of pilgrimage, necessitating both expansion of the building and an increase in wealth, via revenues from pilgrims, in order to make expansion possible.

==== Rebuilding of the quire ====
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral Choir 2, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|right|The 12th-century [[choir (architecture)|quire]]]]
In September 1174 the quire was severely damaged by fire, necessitating a major reconstruction,{{sfn|Cook|1949|p=23}} the progress of which was recorded in detail by a monk named [[Gervase of Canterbury|Gervase]].{{sfn|Willis|1845|p=xiv}} The crypt survived the fire intact,{{sfn|Willis|1845| p=71}} and it was found possible to retain the outer walls of the quire, which were increased in height by {{convert|12|ft|m}} in the course of the rebuilding, but with the round-headed form of their windows left unchanged.{{sfn|Willis|1845|p=79}} Everything else was replaced in the new Gothic style, with pointed arches, rib vaulting, and flying buttresses. The limestone used was imported from Caen in Normandy, and [[Purbeck marble]] was used for the shafting. The quire was back in use by 1180 and in that year the remains of Dunstan and Ælfheah were moved there from the crypt.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=22–23}}

The master-mason appointed to rebuild the quire was a Frenchman, [[William of Sens]]. Following his injury in a fall from the scaffolding in 1179 he was replaced by one of his former assistants, known as [[William the Englishman]].{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=22–23}}

==== Trinity Chapel and Shrine of Thomas Becket ====
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral Trinity Chapel Stained Glass, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|180px|left|Stained glass in the Trinity Chapel]]
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral Becket's Crown, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|180px|left|'Becket's crown' chapel at the far east end of the cathedral]]
In 1180–1184, in place of the old, square-ended, eastern chapel, the present Trinity Chapel was constructed, a broad extension with an ambulatory, designed to house the shrine of St Thomas Becket.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=22–23}} A further chapel, circular in plan, was added beyond that, which housed further relics of Becket,{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=22–23}} widely believed to have included the top of his skull, struck off in the course of his assassination. This latter chapel became known as the "Corona" or "Becket's Crown".{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=88–89}} These new parts east of the quire transepts were raised on a higher crypt than Ernulf's quire, necessitating flights of steps between the two levels. Work on the chapel was completed in 1184,{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=22–23}} but Becket's remains were not moved from his tomb in the crypt until 1220.{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=8}} Further significant interments in the Trinity Chapel included those of Edward Plantagenet (The "[[Edward, the Black Prince|Black Prince]]") and King [[Henry IV of England|Henry IV]].

The shrine in the Trinity Chapel was placed directly above Becket's original tomb in the crypt. A marble plinth, raised on columns, supported what an early visitor, [[Walter of Coventry]], described as "a coffin wonderfully wrought of gold and silver, and marvellously adorned with precious gems".{{sfn|Blick|2005|pp=407–408}} Other accounts make clear that the gold was laid over a wooden chest, which in turn contained an iron-bound box holding Becket's remains.{{sfn|Blick|2005|p=408}} Further [[votive offering|votive treasures]] were added to the adornments of the chest over the years, while others were placed on pedestals or beams nearby, or attached to hanging drapery.{{sfn|Blick|2005|p=424}} For much of the time, the chest (or "[[feretory]]") was kept concealed by a wooden cover, which would be theatrically raised by ropes once a crowd of pilgrims had gathered.{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=8}}{{sfn|Blick|2005|p=408}} The Dutch humanist [[Desiderius Erasmus]], who visited in 1512–1514, recorded that, once the cover was raised, "the Prior ... pointed out each jewel, telling its name in French, its value, and the name of its donor; for the principal of them were offerings sent by sovereign princes."{{sfn|Blick|2005|p=425}}

The income from [[pilgrim]]s (such as those portrayed in [[Geoffrey Chaucer]]'s ''[[Canterbury Tales]]'') who visited Becket's shrine, which was regarded as a place of healing, largely paid for the subsequent rebuilding of the cathedral and its associated buildings. This revenue included the profits from the sale of [[pilgrim badge]]s depicting Becket, his martyrdom, or his shrine.

The shrine was removed in 1538. King Henry VIII allegedly summoned the dead saint to court to face charges of treason. Having failed to appear, he was found guilty in his absence and the treasures of his shrine were confiscated, carried away in two coffers and 26 carts.{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=13}}

==== Monastic buildings ====
[[File:Christ Church Canterbury Willis 1868 Plate 1 archaeologiacant07kent 0 0303.jpg|thumb|left|160px|The waterworks plan traced from the original by [[Robert Willis (engineer)|Robert Willis]] (1868)<ref name=Willis>{{cite journal|last1=Willis|first1=Robert|author-mask=2|title=The Architectural History of the Conventual Buildings of the Monastery of Christ Church in Canterbury|journal=Archaeologia Cantiana|date=1868|volume=7|pages=1–206|url=https://archive.org/details/willis-1868-archaeologiacant-07kent-0}}</ref>]]
[[File:CANTERBURY CATHEDRAL GLASS C7471.jpg|thumb|The stained glass windows in the chapter-house]]
A bird's-eye view of the cathedral and its monastic buildings, made in about 1165<ref name=eb /> and known as the "waterworks plan" is preserved in the [[Eadwine Psalter]] in the library of [[Trinity College, Cambridge]].<ref>{{cite book|title=English Romanesque Art 1066–1200|url=https://archive.org/details/englishromanesqu0000unse|url-access=registration|year=1984|publisher=Arts Council of Great Britain|series=Catalogue of an Exhibition held at the Hayward Gallery, London, 5 April-8 July 1984|location=London|page=[https://archive.org/details/englishromanesqu0000unse/page/374 374]}}</ref> A detailed description of the plan can be found in the classic paper by [[Robert Willis (engineer)|Willis]].{{r|Willis|pages=158–181}}<ref name="Fergusson2006">{{cite journal|last1=Fergusson|first1=Peter|title=Modernization and Mnemonics at Christ Church, Canterbury: The Treasury Building|journal=Journal of the Society of Architectural Historians|date=2006|volume=65|issue=1|pages=50–67|doi=10.2307/25068238|jstor=25068238}}</ref> It shows that Canterbury employed the same general principles of arrangement common to all [[Benedictine monasteries]], although, unusually, the [[cloister]] and monastic buildings were to the north, rather than the south of the church. There was a separate [[chapter-house]]<ref name=eb /> which still exists, said to be "the largest of its kind in all of England". Stained glass here depicts the history of Canterbury.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-great-cloister-and-chapter-house-of-canterbury-cathedral|title=The Great Cloister and Chapter House of Canterbury Cathedral|website=Atlas Obscura|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622184616/https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-great-cloister-and-chapter-house-of-canterbury-cathedral|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The buildings formed separate groups around the church. Adjoining it, on the north side, stood the cloister and the buildings devoted to the monastic life. To the east and west of these were those devoted to the exercise of hospitality. Also to the east was the infirmary, with its own chapel. To the north, a large open court divided the monastic buildings from menial ones, such as the stables, granaries, barn, bakehouse, brewhouse, and laundries, inhabited by the lay servants of the establishment. At the greatest possible distance from the church, beyond the precinct of the monastery, was the [[Charity (practice)|eleemosynary]] department. The almonry for the relief of the poor, with a great hall annexed, formed the paupers' hospitium.<ref name=eb />
{{multiple image
 | total_width = 1000
 | align = center
 | direction = horizontal
 | image1 = Canterbury cathedral (21000838395).jpg
 | image2 = Canterbury Cathedral 15.jpg
 | image3 = Canterbury Cathedral Cloisters 01.JPG
 | image4 = Canterbury Cathedral - Cloister.jpg
 | image5 = Canterbury Cathedral Cloisters, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg
 | footer = The Great Cloister now holds many relocated ledger stones—moved there after 1787 restorations—while its garth, cleared in the 1930s, retains only six modern grave slabs.<ref>{{cite web |last=Downer |first=Geoff |title=Floor stones 5 – the Great Cloister |url=https://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/floor-stones-5-the-great-cloister |website=Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society |access-date=8 October 2025}}</ref>
}}
The group of buildings devoted to monastic life included two cloisters. The great cloister was surrounded by the buildings essentially connected with the daily life of the monks: the church to the south, with the refectory placed as always on the side opposite, the dormitory, raised on a vaulted [[undercroft]], and the chapter-house adjacent, and the lodgings of the cellarer, responsible for providing both monks and guests with food, to the west. A passage under the dormitory led eastwards to the smaller or infirmary cloister, appropriated to sick and infirm monks.<ref name=eb />

The hall and chapel of the infirmary extended east of this cloister, resembling in form and arrangement the nave and chancel of an aisled church. Beneath the dormitory, overlooking the green court or herbarium, lay the "pisalis" or "calefactory", the [[common room]] of the monks. At its northeast corner access was given from the dormitory to the [[toilets|necessarium]], a building in the form of a Norman hall, {{convert|145|ft}} long by {{convert|25|ft}} broad, containing 55 seats. It was constructed with careful regard to hygiene, with a stream of water running through it from end to end.<ref name=eb />
[[File:Canterbury - lavatory tower03b.jpg|thumb|left|180px|The circular [[lavatorium]] tower, for washing hands]]
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral Treasury Storer Plate 07 historyantiquiti01stor 0057 (cropped).jpg|thumb|180px|View of the treasury in about 1814]]
A second smaller dormitory for the conventual officers ran from east to west. Close to the refectory, but outside the cloisters, were the domestic offices connected with it: to the north, the kitchen, {{convert|47|ft}} square, with a pyramidal roof, and the kitchen court; to the west, the butteries, pantries, etc. The infirmary had a small kitchen of its own. Opposite the refectory door in the cloister were two buildings where the monks washed before and after eating.<ref name=eb /> One of these is the circular two-storey [[lavatorium]] tower.{{r|Willis|pages=62–63}} To the south of the infirmary cloister, close to the east end of the cathedral, is the treasury, with a distinctive octapartite vault.{{r|"Fergusson2006"|page=56}}

The buildings devoted to hospitality were divided into three groups. The prior's group were "entered at the south-east angle of the green court, placed near the most sacred part of the cathedral, as befitting the distinguished ecclesiastics or nobility who were assigned to him." The cellarer's buildings, where middle-class visitors were entertained, stood near the west end of the nave. The inferior pilgrims and paupers were relegated to the north hall or almonry, just within the gate.<ref name=eb>{{EB1911|wstitle= Abbey/Canterbury Cathedral}}</ref>

Priors of Christ Church Priory included [[John of Sittingbourne]] (elected 1222, previously a monk of the priory) and William Chillenden, (elected 1264, previously monk and treasurer of the priory).<ref>[http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=33854 Priors of Canterbury] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202001251/http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=33854 |date=2 December 2008 }}, Fasti Ecclesiae Anglicanae 1066–1300: volume 2: Monastic Cathedrals (northern and southern provinces; 1971), pp. 8–12</ref> The monastery was granted the right to elect their own prior if the seat was vacant by the pope, and&nbsp;– from [[Gregory IX]] onwards&nbsp;– the right to a free election (though with the archbishop overseeing their choice). Monks of the priory have included [[Æthelric I]], [[Æthelric II]], [[Walter d'Eynsham]], [[Reginald fitz Jocelin]] (admitted as a confrater shortly before his death), [[Nigel de Longchamps]] and Ernulf. The monks often put forward candidates for Archbishop of Canterbury, either from among their number or outside, since the archbishop was nominally their abbot, but this could lead to clashes with the king or pope should they put forward a different man&nbsp;– examples are the elections of [[Baldwin of Forde]] and [[Thomas Cobham]].

==== 14th and 15th centuries ====
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral Rood Screen, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|right|Quire screen{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=64}}]]
Early in the 14th century, Prior Eastry erected a stone quire screen and rebuilt the chapter house, and his successor, Prior Oxenden inserted a large five-light window into St Anselm's chapel.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}}

The cathedral was seriously damaged by the [[1382 Dover Straits earthquake]], losing its bells and campanile.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/expert-predicts-55-magnitude-earthquake-could-hit-london-at-any-time-2081634.html|title=Expert predicts 5.5 magnitude earthquake could hit London at any time|website=The Independent|location=London|date=23 October 2011|access-date=16 December 2020|archive-date=9 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609181601/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/expert-predicts-55-magnitude-earthquake-could-hit-london-at-any-time-2081634.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Canterbury cathedral plan.jpg|Plan of Canterbury Cathedral showing the complex ribbing of the Perpendicular vaulting in the [[nave]] and [[transept]]s]]
[[File:Canterbury-Cathedral-Church-of-England-1890-1900.jpg|thumb|right|View from the northwest [[Wiktionary:circa|circa]] 1890–1900.]]
From the late 14th century the nave and transepts were rebuilt, on the Norman foundations in the Perpendicular style under the direction of the noted master mason [[Henry Yevele]].{{sfn|Willis|1845|p=45}} In contrast to the contemporary rebuilding of the nave at [[Winchester Cathedral|Winchester]], where much of the existing fabric was retained and remodeled, the piers were entirely removed, and replaced with less bulky Gothic ones, and the old aisle walls were completely taken down except for a low "plinth" left on the south side.{{sfn|Willis|1845|p=121}}<ref name=trust /> More Norman fabric was retained in the transepts, especially in the east walls,{{sfn|Willis|1845|p=121}} and the old apsidal chapels were not replaced until the mid-15th century.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}} The arches of the new nave arcade were exceptionally high in proportion to the [[clerestory]].{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}} The new transepts, aisles, and nave were roofed with [[Lierne (vault)|lierne vaults]], enriched with bosses. Most of the work was done during the priorate of [[Thomas Chillenden]] (1391–1411): Chillenden also built a new quire screen at the east end of the nave, into which Eastry's existing screen was incorporated.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}} The Norman stone floor of the nave, however, survived until its replacement in 1786.<ref name=trust />
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral Nave 1, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|The [[Perpendicular Period|Perpendicular]] nave]]
[[File:Roof of Bell Harry Tower.jpg|thumb|Canterbury Cathedral, [[fan vaulting]] of the crossing inside the central Bell Harry Tower]]
From 1396 the cloisters were repaired and remodelled by Yevele's pupil Stephen Lote who added the lierne vaulting. It was during this period that the wagon-vaulting of the chapter house was created.

A shortage of money and the priority given to the rebuilding of the cloisters and chapterhouse meant that the rebuilding of the west towers was neglected. The south-west tower was not replaced until 1458, and the Norman north-west tower survived until 1834 when it was replaced by a replica of its Perpendicular companion.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}}

In about 1430 the south transept apse was removed to make way for a chapel, founded by Lady Margaret Holland and dedicated to St Michael and All Angels. The north transept apse was replaced by a Lady Chapel, built-in 1448–1455.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}}

The {{convert|235|ft|adj=on}} crossing tower was begun in 1433, although preparations had already been made during Chillenden's priorate when the piers had been reinforced. Further strengthening was found necessary around the beginning of the 16th century when buttressing arches were added under the southern and western tower arches. The tower is often known as the "Angel Steeple", after a gilded angel that once stood on one of its pinnacles.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}}

=== The Modern period ===
[[File:Canterbury Cathedral font, Kent, UK - Diliff.jpg|thumb|right|upright|The decorative font in the nave]]
==== The Reformation, Dissolution and Puritanism ====
The cathedral ceased to be an abbey during the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] when all religious houses were suppressed. Canterbury Cathedral, and the great monastery of Christ Church were surrendered to the Crown on 30 March 1539, after the occupants had made "an inventory of the good, chattels, plate, precious ornaments, lead, and money belonging to the monks" and "all that could be moved" was "handed over to the master of the jewel-house" of the Tower of London, after which "the Prior and monks were then ejected.<ref>G. S. Smith, ''Chronological History of Canterbury Cathedral'' (H. S. Claris, 1883) p.143</ref> 
The Cathedral reverted to its previous status of 'a college of secular canons'. According to the cathedral's own website, it had been a Benedictine monastery since the 900s. The New Foundation came into being on 8 April 1541.<ref>Barrie Dobson, "Canterbury in the Later Middle Ages, 1220–1540", in ''A History of Canterbury Cathedral'', OUP 1995, p. 153.</ref> The shrine to St Thomas Becket was destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII and the relics lost.

In around 1576, the crypt of the cathedral was granted to the Huguenot congregation of Canterbury to be used as their [[History of the Huguenots in Kent#Administration of the Consistory and Church of the Crypt|Church of the Crypt]].

In 1642–1643, during the [[English Civil War]], [[Puritan]] iconoclasts led by [[Edwin Sandys (Parliamentarian)]] caused significant damage during their "cleansing" of the cathedral.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8QYywtJ4rb0C&q=civil+war+canterbury+cathedral&pg=PA204|title=Puritan Iconoclasm During the English Civil War|first=Julie|last=Spraggon|date=30 July 2018|publisher=Boydell Press|isbn=978-0-85115-895-2|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731093113/https://books.google.ca/books?id=8QYywtJ4rb0C&pg=PA204&lpg=PA204&dq=civil+war+canterbury+cathedral&source=bl&ots=eVaa6titxE&sig=pF_G8hRLBR486X_nvmPhJNBm_KU&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjttaWSgpjcAhVp44MKHQysDogQ6AEwGnoECAgQAQ#v=onepage&q=civil+war+canterbury+cathedral&f=false|archive-date=31 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> Included in that campaign was the destruction of the statue of Christ in the Christ Church Gate and the demolition of the wooden gates by a group led by [[Richard Culmer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/missing-figures-canterburys-stained-glass|title=The missing figures in Canterbury's stained glass – Tate|website=Tate.org.uk|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712184507/https://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/missing-figures-canterburys-stained-glass|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref> The statue would not be replaced until 1990 but the gates were restored in 1660 and a great deal of other repair work started at that time; that would continue until 1704.<ref name="canterbury-archaeology.org.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/ccgate/4590809464|title=ccgate – Canterbury History|website=Canterbury-archaeology.org.uk|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180806150709/http://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/ccgate/4590809464|archive-date=6 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="canterbury-cathedral.org">{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/history/cathedral-history-in-a-nutshell/|title=1,400 Years of History|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712025951/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/history/cathedral-history-in-a-nutshell/|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Furnishings ====
In 1688, the joiner Roger Davis, citizen of London, removed the 13th-century [[misericords]] and replaced them with two rows of his own work on each side of the quire. Some of Davis's misericords have a distinctly medieval flavour and he may have copied some of the original designs. When [[Sir George Gilbert Scott]] carried out renovations in the 19th century, he replaced the front row of Davis' misericords, with new ones of his own design, which seem to include many copies of those at [[Gloucester Cathedral]], [[Worcester Cathedral]] and [[New College, Oxford]].

==== Statues on the West Front ====
<gallery mode="packed" heights="180">
Canterbury Cathedral 001.jpg
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Most of the statues that currently adorn the west front of the cathedral were installed in the 1860s when the South Porch was being renovated. At that time, the niches were vacant and the Dean of the cathedral thought that the appearance of the cathedral would be improved if they were filled. The Victorian sculptor Theodore Pfyffers was commissioned to create the statues and most of them were installed by the end of the 1860s. There are currently 53 statues representing various figures who have been influential in the life of the cathedral and the English church such as clergy, members of the royal family, saints, and theologians. Archbishops of Canterbury from [[Augustine of Canterbury]] and [[Lanfranc]], to [[Thomas Cranmer]] and [[William Laud]] are represented. Kings and Queens from [[Æthelberht of Kent|Æthelberht]] and [[Bertha of Kent]], to [[Queen Victoria|Victoria]] and [[Elizabeth II]] are included.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-32068450|title=Canterbury Cathedral statues honour Queen and Duke|publisher=BBC|date=27 March 2015|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731081334/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-kent-32068450|archive-date=31 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== 18th century to the present ====
[[File:Christchurch Gate, Canterbury Cathedral.tif|thumb|upright=1.3|left|The Christchurch Gate with the new (1990) bronze statue of Christ; the original was destroyed in 1643]]
The original towers of Christ Church Gate were removed in 1803 and were replaced in 1937. The statue of Christ was replaced in 1990 with a bronze sculpture of Christ by Klaus Ringwald.<ref name="canterbury-archaeology.org.uk" />

The original Norman northwest tower, which had a lead spire until 1705,{{sfn|Withers|1897|p=27}} was demolished in 1834 owing to structural concerns.{{sfn|Cook|1949|pp=43–45}} It was replaced with a Perpendicular-style twin of the southwest tower (designed by Thomas Mapilton), now known as the Arundel Tower, providing a more symmetrical appearance for the cathedral.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=50|title=Engineering Timelines – Canterbury Cathedral|website=Engineering-timelines.com|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712030837/http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=50|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="canterbury-cathedral.org" /> This was the last major structural alteration to the cathedral to be made.

In 1866, there were six residentiary canonries, of which one was annexed to the [[Archdeaconry of Canterbury]] and another to that [[Archdeacon of Maidstone|of Maidstone]].<ref>''The Clergy List for 1866'' (London: George Cox, 1866) [https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=hIxbAAAAMAAJ&pg=GBS.RA1-PA261 p. 261] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203161420/https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=hIxbAAAAMAAJ&pg=GBS.RA1-PA261 |date=3 December 2022 }}</ref> In September 1872, a large portion of the Trinity Chapel roof was completely destroyed by fire. There was no significant damage to the stonework or interior and the damage was quickly repaired.<ref>{{cite news|title=The fire in the Canterbury Cathedral 1872|url=http://www.machadoink.com/The%20Cathedral_4.htm|newspaper=Illustrated London News|date=14 September 1872|access-date=5 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090504070506/http://www.machadoink.com/The%20Cathedral_4.htm|archive-date=4 May 2009|url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:CANTERBURY ALTAR 7431.jpg|thumb|The cathedral did not sustain serious damage during either World War]]
During the bombing raids of the [[Second World War]] its library was destroyed,<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=B105DQAAQBAJ&q=canterbury+cathedral+damaged+during+World+War+I&pg=PA181|title=Encyclopedia of Global Religion|first1=Mark|last1=Juergensmeyer|first2=Wade Clark|last2=Roof|date=30 July 2018|publisher=SAGE|isbn=978-0-7619-2729-7|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731031355/https://books.google.ca/books?id=B105DQAAQBAJ&pg=PA181&dq=canterbury+cathedral+damaged+during+World+War+I&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjW7qLc85fcAhUK4YMKHZlRAsEQ6AEINDAC#v=onepage&q=canterbury+cathedral+damaged+during+World+War+I&f=false|archive-date=31 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> but the cathedral did not sustain extensive bomb damage; the local Fire Wardens doused any flames on the wooden roof.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/content/articles/2007/09/11/canterbury_cathedral_restoration_video_feature.shtml|title=The restoration of Canterbury Cathedral|website=Bbc.co.uk|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181027140348/http://www.bbc.co.uk/kent/content/articles/2007/09/11/canterbury_cathedral_restoration_video_feature.shtml|archive-date=27 October 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1986, a new Martyrdom Altar was installed in the northwest transept, on the spot where Thomas Becket was slain, the first new altar in the cathedral for 448 years. Mounted on the wall above it, there is a metal sculpture by Truro sculptor Giles Blomfield depicting a cross flanked by two bloodstained swords which, together with the shadows they cast, represent the four knights who killed Becket. A stone plaque also commemorates [[Pope John Paul II's visit to the United Kingdom]] in 1982.<ref name="chas-martyrdom">{{cite web|title=Thomas Becket Altar (Martyrdom)|url=http://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/becket-altar/4590809612|website=Canterbury Historical & Archaeological Society|access-date=2 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417170859/http://www.canterbury-archaeology.org.uk/becket-altar/4590809612|archive-date=17 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> [[Antony Gormley]]'s sculpture ''[[Transport (sculpture)|Transport]]'' was unveiled in the crypt in 2011. It is made from iron nails from the roof of the south-east transept.<ref name="Times11">{{cite news|last1=Durrant|first1=Nancy|title=After Angel of the North, a body of nails in a cathedral|url=https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/IF0504180178/TTDA?u=wes_ttda&sid=bookmark-TTDA&xid=0782d7e3|access-date=24 August 2022|work=[[The Times]]|issue=70170|date=31 January 2011|page=11|archive-date=11 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111042043/https://go.gale.com/ps/i.do?p=TTDA&u=wes_ttda&id=GALE%7CIF0504180178&v=2.1&it=r&sid=bookmark-TTDA&asid=0782d7e3|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2015, [[Sarah Mullally]] and [[Rachel Treweek]] became the first women to be ordained as bishops in the cathedral, as [[Bishop of Crediton]] and [[Bishop of Gloucester]] respectively.<ref name="anglicannews1">{{cite news|url=http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/07/first-female-diocesan-bishop-in-c-of-e-consecrated.aspx|title=First female diocesan bishop in C of E consecrated|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160106151827/http://www.anglicannews.org/news/2015/07/first-female-diocesan-bishop-in-c-of-e-consecrated.aspx|archive-date=6 January 2016|work=Anglican News|access-date=23 July 2015}}</ref> In 2022, it was announced that [[David Monteith]], who is gay and in a [[Civil partnership in the United Kingdom|civil partnership]], would serve as dean of the cathedral.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Partnered gay priest appointed dean of Canterbury Cathedral|url=https://anglican.ink/2022/10/11/partnered-gay-priest-appointed-dean-of-canterbury-cathedral/|website=Anglican Ink|access-date=2022-10-12|date=12 October 2022|archive-date=12 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221012221755/https://anglican.ink/2022/10/11/partnered-gay-priest-appointed-dean-of-canterbury-cathedral/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-10-10|title=New Dean of Canterbury Announced|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2022/10/10/new-dean-of-canterbury-announced/|access-date=2022-10-12|website=Canterbury Cathedral|archive-date=11 October 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221011192839/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2022/10/10/new-dean-of-canterbury-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> His appointment was criticised by the [[Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches]] (GSFA) and the [[Global Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans]] (GAFCON); the Church of England defended the decision stating that Monteith lives chastely with his partner.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Mbakwe|first=Tola|date=18 October 2022|title=Group of conservative bishops 'aggrieved' by appointment of new gay Dean of Canterbury|url=https://premierchristian.news/en/news/article/group-of-conservative-bishops-aggrieved-by-appointment-of-new-gay-dean-of-canterbury|website=[[Premier Christianity]]}}</ref> In 2024, the cathedral began offering blessings for same-sex couples "already in civil partnerships or civil marriages" or in "covenanted friendship" during ordinary or regular church services in accordance with "[[Prayers of Love and Faith]]".<ref>{{Cite web|title=Canterbury Cathedral to offer Prayers of Love and Faith for same-sex couples|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/news/posts/canterbury-cathedral-to-offer-prayers-of-love-and-faith-for-same-sex-couples/|access-date=2024-06-22|website=Canterbury Cathedral}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=LeBlanc|first=Douglas|date=2024-06-19|title=Canterbury Cathedral Offers Same-sex Blessings|url=https://livingchurch.org/news/news-anglican-communion/canterbury-cathedral-offers-same-sex-blessings/|access-date=2024-06-22|website=The Living Church}}</ref>

The cathedral is Regimental Church of the [[Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment]] and a graduation venue for the [[University of Kent]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kent.ac.uk/congregations/on-the-day/index.html|title=Your graduation day|website=University of Kent|access-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021003551/https://www.kent.ac.uk/congregations/on-the-day/index.html|archive-date=21 October 2017|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[Canterbury Christ Church University]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/graduation/canterbury-cathedral-ceremony.aspx|title=Your Graduation Day at Canterbury Cathedral|website=Canterbury Christ Church University|access-date=8 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180101101953/http://www.canterbury.ac.uk/graduation/canterbury-cathedral-ceremony.aspx|archive-date=1 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Conservation ==
Much of the [[stonework]] at Canterbury Cathedral is damaged and crumbling, the roofs are leaking and much of the [[stained glass]] is badly corroded. The last quinquennial structural review<ref name=newsletterMay2014>{{cite web|title=Spring/Summer Newsletter 2014|url=http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/trust_newsletter_web.pdf|publisher=Canterbury Cathedral Trust|access-date=28 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150528220849/http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/trust_newsletter_web.pdf|archive-date=28 May 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> revealed that a combination of centuries of weathering, pollution and constant use had taken its toll on the ancient building and some serious problems were in need of urgent action.

The single biggest challenge is the roof. The cathedral is covered by a huge expanse of lead and whilst the majority of the wooden framework remains sound, much of the lead itself needs replacing. In addition, a large amount of concrete encasing the bottom of the roof beams needs to be removed and replaced with traditional wooden footers.

Conservation of the external masonry, particularly on the northern side of the building, is equally important. The cathedral is in part built of [[Caen stone]]. Detailed archaeological studies are undertaken to identify exactly which stones need to be replaced or repaired. In addition, specialist cleaning techniques are used to remove accumulated chemical deposits which are very damaging to the building. As regards the interior, priorities include decoration of the vaults of the [[Trinity Chapel]], conservation work in several other chapels, and major improvements to the Treasury building, which contains, amongst other things, the choir practice rooms.
[[File:Canterbury stained glass 7379.jpg|thumb|One of the many stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral]]
The earliest coloured glass windows in the cathedral date from the late 12th century, whilst others are as new as the four [[Ervin Bossányi]] windows in the south-east transept (1957). Many have already been conserved and protected by the team of stained glass conservators led by Leonie Seliger. However, much conservation work remains to be done, notably on the [[Oculus (architecture)|Oculus]] window in the south-east transept&nbsp;– a late 12th-century round window.<ref name="BBC News" />

During the autumn of 2008, a major restoration of the lead roof over the transept was completed at a cost of approximately £500,000.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7602769.stm|title=Cathedral roof repair work starts|date=7 September 2008|access-date=30 July 2018|website=News.bbc.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712031446/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/kent/7602769.stm|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the lead roof of the nave was replaced.<ref name="kentonline.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/canterbury-cathedral-25-million-restoration-leaves-it-like-a-building-site-185091/|title=Canterbury Cathedral £25 million restoration leaves it like a building site|website=Kentonline.co.uk|date=23 June 2018|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712032043/http://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/canterbury-cathedral-25-million-restoration-leaves-it-like-a-building-site-185091/|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The extensive restoration of the cathedral that was underway in mid-2018 was part of a 2016–2021 schedule that also includes improved landscaping and accessibility, new visitor facilities and a general external restoration.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/the-canterbury-journey/physicalworks/|title=Physical Works|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180622140240/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/heritage/the-canterbury-journey/physicalworks/|archive-date=22 June 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The so-called Canterbury Journey project<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Charting-the-Journey-Summer-2018.pdf|title=Charting the Journey|date=2018|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712052827/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Charting-the-Journey-Summer-2018.pdf|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> was expected to cost nearly £25 million; the funding included a £13.8 million Heritage Lottery grant, £10.9 million from the Canterbury Cathedral Trust and £250,000 from the Friends of the Cathedral.<ref name="kentonline.co.uk" />

==Historic designations==
The cathedral and its precincts comprise a large number of [[listed building]]s. The majority are listed at Grade I, the highest grade, with a much smaller number listed at Grade II*.

===Grade I===
The cathedral itself is listed at Grade I.<ref name=NHLECathedral>{{NHLE|num=1336823|desc=Christchurch Cathedral|grade=I|access-date=6 August 2023}}</ref> Other Grade I listed buildings include: the Chapter House,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085063|desc=Chapter House to Christchurch Cathedral|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the main gate into the cathedral precincts,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085119|desc=Christchurch Gateway|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref>
the cloister,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085062|desc=Cloister to Christchurch Cathedral|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> a passageway known as the Dark Entry,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085064|desc=Dark Entry|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Lavatory Tower,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1336825|desc=Lavatory Tower|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref>	the Library,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1336824|desc=Library to Christchurch Cathedral|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> Meister Omers, at No.16 The Precincts, originally a guest house for visitors,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1336827|desc=Meister Omers|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Norman Staircase,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1253715|desc=Norman Staircase|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the
Prior Sellinge Gate,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1336829|desc=Prior Sellinge Gate|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the
Prior's Chapel,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085065|desc=The Prior's Chaple|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the remains of the Cellarer's Hall in the Archbishop's Palace Garden,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085082|desc=Remains of Cellarer's Hall in Archbishop's Palace Garden |grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Archbishop's Palace itself,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085066|desc=The Archbishop's Palace, or the Old Palace|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Archdeacon of Canterbury's House,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1336791|desc=Archdeacon of Canterbury's House|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Cathedral Appeal Fund Office & the Deanery,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1252941|desc=Cathedral Appeal Fund Office & the Deanery|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Wolfson Library,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1336826|desc=Wolfson Library|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> and Nos. 22–26 and 27 and 28 The Precincts.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085078|desc=22–26, The Cathedral Precincts|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref><ref>{{NHLE|num=1252947|desc=27 & 28, The Cathedral Precincts|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref>

===Grade II*===
Buildings listed at Grade II* include; No.17 Cathedral Precincts,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085076|desc=No.17 Cathedral Precincts|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> the Pilgrims Entry or Pentise attached to Number 29, Cathedral Precincts<ref>{{NHLE|num=1085079|desc=Pilgrims Entry or Pentise attached to Number 29, Cathedral Precincts|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> and the County of Kent War Memorial Cross.<ref>{{NHLE|num=1446080|desc=County of Kent War Memorial Cross|grade=I|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref>

===Scheduled monuments===
Christchurch Priory and the Archbishop's Palace,<ref>{{NHLE|num=1004195|desc=Christchurch Priory and the Archbishop's Palace|access-date=27 July 2023}}</ref> and the Norman Staircase, the Cellarer's Hall, and the Pilgrim's Entry are also designated [[scheduled monument]]s, the latter three under a composite listing, Monuments in the precinct of Canterbury Cathedral.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/46686|title=Monuments in the precinct of Canterbury Cathedral|publisher=[[Historic England]]|access-date=27 July 2023|archive-date=27 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230727093436/https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/heritage-at-risk/search-register/list-entry/46686|url-status=live}}</ref> 

== Foundation ==
[[File:Main west entrance, Canterbury Cathedral.jpg|thumb|Main west entrance, Canterbury Cathedral]]
The Foundation is the authorised staffing establishment of the cathedral, few of whom are clergy. The head of the cathedral is the [[Dean of Canterbury|Dean]], currently [[David Monteith]], who is assisted by a chapter of 30 [[canon (priest)|canons]], four of whom are residentiary, the others being honorary appointments of senior clergy in the [[diocese]]. There are also a number of lay canons who all together form the greater chapter which has the legal responsibility both for the cathedral itself and also for the formal election of an archbishop when there is a vacancy-in-see. By English law and custom, they may only elect the person who has been nominated by the [[monarch]] on the advice of the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom|prime minister]]. The Foundation also includes the choristers, lay clerks, organists, [[The King's School, Canterbury#Traditions|King's Scholars]], the [[Six Preachers]] and a range of other officers; some of these posts are moribund, such as that of the cathedral barber. The cathedral has a workforce of over 300 (many of whom work part-time), and approximately 800 volunteers.

=== Dean and Chapter ===
As of 1 August 2022:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/get-involved/who-does-what/chapter-members/|title=Chapter Members|access-date=2 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201002103513/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/get-involved/who-does-what/chapter-members/|archive-date=2 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
*[[Dean of Canterbury|Dean]] – [[David Monteith]] (since 17 December 2022)
*[[Archdeacon of Canterbury]] and Canon Residentiary – [[Will Adam|William Adam]] (Archdeacon and Canon since 18 July 2022 collation)
*Canon Librarian – Tim Naish (since 22 April 2018)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2018/04/25/a-new-canon-librarian-for-canterbury/|title=A New Canon Librarian For Canterbury|access-date=2018-05-31|archive-date=15 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815025100/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2018/04/25/a-new-canon-librarian-for-canterbury/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*Canon Missioner – Emma Pennington (since 16 March 2019)<ref>{{Cite web|date=March 2019|title=The Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of Christ, Canterbury|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/190311-190324web-1.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102124100/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/190311-190324web-1.pdf|archive-date=2 January 2020|website=Canterbury Cathedral}}</ref>
*Canon Treasurer ([[Diocesan Canon]]) – [[Andrew Dodd]] (since 27 September 2020 installation)<ref>[https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2020/03/09/new-canon-treasurer-appointed-to-cathedral/ New canon treasurer appointed to cathedral] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929014503/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2020/03/09/new-canon-treasurer-appointed-to-cathedral/|date=29 September 2020}} & [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIZc-qTgQrU] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106114521/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIZc-qTgQrU|date=6 November 2020}}</ref>

The Cathedral uses "Vice Dean" not of one particular appointee, but to refer to the [[Canon in Residence]] for each month.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Canon-Treasurer-Job-Description_-Nov-2019.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102123306/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Canon-Treasurer-Job-Description_-Nov-2019.pdf|title=Canon treasurer job description|archive-date=2 January 2020}}</ref><!--Philip Down, Archdeacon of Ashford, was a non-residentiary member of chapter; his successor, Darren Miller, is now listed with the Archdeacon of Maidstone as a College (but not Chapter) member-->

Minor canons:
*Precentor – Wendy Dalrymple (since 2023)

=== Finance ===
Canterbury Cathedral receives no government or state funding and only occasional grants from [[English Heritage]]. It is not funded by the Church of England. The [[Church Commissioners]] pay the salary of the [[Dean (religion)|dean]] and two of the residentiary [[Canon (priest)|canons]] only. The cathedral is therefore largely self-funded.

It costs around £20,000 per day to maintain the cathedral. (2023)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/information/some-facts-you-may-not-know/|title=Did you know?|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712052323/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/information/some-facts-you-may-not-know/|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> In order to meet these costs the cathedral has to rely on income from entry fees paid by visitors and a number of commercial operations such as property rental, the Cathedral Shop, as well as the Cathedral Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/conference-meeting-facilities/|title=Conference & Meeting Facilities|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712084037/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/visit/conference-meeting-facilities/|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral is a charity which exists to "cherish the history and beauty of the Cathedral; to preserve its fabric, worship, ornaments and furnishings and to provide a channel for individuals to show their support".<ref>[https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/256575 Friends of Caterbury Cathedral]; Charity Commission</ref> The Friends have published ''Canterbury Cathedral chronicle'' since 1928.<ref>[https://discover.libraryhub.jisc.ac.uk/search?q=%22friends%20of%20canterbury%20cathedral%22%20Canterbury%20Cathedral%20Chronicle&rn=4 discover.libraryhub.jisc.ac.uk/search]</ref> The Friends have also published a number of books relating to the cathedral; these include ''The Romance of Canterbury Cathedral'' issued anonymously in 1932 by Raphael Tuck; the author was Margaret Agnes Babington (died 1958) whose name appeared in some of the later editions.<ref>Bliss, Eleanor ([n.d]) ''The Urgent Miss Babington''. [Canterbury]: Canterley Publishing ISBN 9781916498105</ref><ref>Irving, Laurence (1959) ''The Canterbury Adventure: an account of the inception and growth of the Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, 1928-1959''. Canterbury: Friends of Canterbury Cathedral</ref> Margaret Babington was honorary steward and treasurer of the Friends and undertook fund raising lecture tours for the cathedral. She was the daughter of the vicar of Tenterden.<ref>[https://www.mytenterden.co.uk/pdf-history/5-rev-john-babington-and-miss-margaret-babington.pdf Rev. John Albert Babington and Miss Margaret A. Babington OBE]; accessed 2025-07-26</ref>
==== Appeal ====
The "Save Canterbury Cathedral" appeal was launched in October 2006 to protect and enhance the cathedral's future as a centre of worship, [[Cultural heritage|heritage]] and culture. The aim was to raise £50&nbsp;million; by the end of 2010 the appeal had raised £11.5&nbsp;million,<ref name="BBC News">{{cite news|title=Canterbury Cathedral appeal reaches £11.5m|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-11978543|work=[[BBC News]]|date=12 December 2010|access-date=21 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181122182902/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-11978543|archive-date=22 November 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> and as at May 2014 over £20&nbsp;million had been raised.<ref name=newsletterMay2014 />

The core part of the fundraising programme is focused on the cathedral's fabric. The major [[conservation-restoration]] projects already identified will cost £30&nbsp;million. Fabric conservation is the most urgent element of the campaign. The appeal&nbsp;– the third of its kind following major fundraising drives at Canterbury in the 1950s and 1970s&nbsp;– was launched to fund these projects. [[Fundraising]] for the appeal will take place over a number of years both nationally and internationally, stressing the cathedral's role as the [[mother church]] of the worldwide [[Anglican Communion]] and as a [[World Heritage Site]]. An integrated conservation programme that addresses the priority areas has been drawn up by the cathedral's Surveyor to the Fabric, John Burton.

Major repair and conservation projects to be funded by the appeal include roofs of the nave, [[aisle]]s, and North West and South East [[Transept]]s; stone carvings, [[pinnacle]]s and stone facings of the central Bell Harry Tower; work on the North side of the Corona Chapel;<ref name="BBC News" /> conservation of the Christ Church Gate entry to the Precincts; conservation of stained glass and surrounding stonework throughout the cathedral; and preservation of the collection of historic books and [[manuscript]]s.

In addition, there are plans to refurbish the cathedral [[pipe organ]] and renovations to the Choir House have already been completed, providing better facilities for choristers. Improvements are planned to the fabric of the library buildings and to the cathedral's audio-visual and lighting systems which will significantly benefit visitors including the disabled, visually impaired and hard of hearing. The appeal also aims to develop the outmoded workshop area and [[stained glass]] studio, in order to ensure the survival of Canterbury as a [[centre of excellence]] for vital craft skills and to promote a sustainable maintenance base for work on the cathedral which can be viewed by the public.

The fundraising group is the Canterbury Cathedral Trust, an independent, registered charity (1112590) seeking funds to provide conservation, craftsmanship, music and education. Since mid-2017, the Chief Executive has been Sarah Frankland. The Trust was able to obtain the £24.7m needed for The Canterbury Journey multi-year restoration programme which was planned for completion in 2021. In 2016–17 the Trust received £3.66m in donations and an additional £1.61m had been pledged for future projects. The next plan was to raise funds to restore and improve the Quire organ by 2020. In 2017, the cathedral was planning to have the new Welcome Centre open in 2019, with exhibition spaces and viewing gallery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CCT-Annual-Report-2017.pdf|title=Annual Report|date=2017|website=Canterbury-cathedral.org|access-date=30 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712052737/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/CCT-Annual-Report-2017.pdf|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Police service ===
The cathedral has its own police service, known as the [[Canterbury Cathedral Close Constables]]. They are attested Constables, with powers of arrest, who police and protect the Cathedral and Close. They also work with [[Kent Police]].

== Music ==
[[Polyphony|Polyphonic music]] written for the monks of Christ Church Priory, now Canterbury Cathedral, survives from the 13th century. The cathedral may have had an [[Organ (music)|organ]] as early as the 12th century,<ref name="Bowers">Roger Bowers, 'The Liturgy of the Cathedral and its music, c. 1075–1642', In: ''A History of Canterbury Cathedral'', ed. P. Collinson, N. Ramsay, M. Sparks. (OUP 1995, revised edition 2002), pp. 408–450.</ref> though the names of organists are only recorded from the early 15th century.<ref>[[#Organs and organists|Canterbury Cathedral: organs and organists]]{{Broken anchor|date=2024-06-30|bot=User:Cewbot/log/20201008/configuration|target_link=#Organs and organists|reason= The anchor (Organs and organists) [[Special:Diff/994780479|has been deleted]].}}.</ref>
One of the earliest named composers associated with Canterbury Cathedral was [[Leonel Power]], who was appointed master of the new Lady Chapel choir formed in 1438.

The Reformation brought a period of decline in the cathedral's music which was revived under Dean [[Thomas Nevile|Thomas Neville]] in the early 17th century. Neville introduced instrumentalists into the cathedral's music who played [[cornett]] and [[sackbut]], probably members of the city's band of waits. The cathedral acquired sets of [[Recorder (musical instrument)|recorders]], [[lute]]s and [[viol]]s for the use of the choir boys and lay-clerks.<ref name="Bowers" />

=== Organ ===
The organ at Canterbury is of four manuals and is in both south and the north quire aisles, as well as a nave division. It was built in 1886 by [[Henry Willis]] and subsequently rebuilt by the same firm in the mid-20th century. It was rebuilt by N.&nbsp;P. Mander in 1978 and reduced to three manuals at about that time. David Flood, Organist and Master of the Choristers for over 40 years, oversaw the redesign, specification and total expansion and rebuilding project of the Cathedral Organ in 2018–2020<ref>{{Cite web|date=2018-08-14|title=First new pipes arrive for Cathedral organ|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2018/08/14/first-new-pipes-arrive-for-cathedral-organ/|access-date=2022-04-19|website=Canterbury Cathedral|archive-date=19 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419131026/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2018/08/14/first-new-pipes-arrive-for-cathedral-organ/|url-status=live}}</ref> The organ has now been fully restored and greatly enlarged, including reinstating the fourth manual, by Harrison and Harrison with work finishing in February 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npor.org.uk/NPORView.html?RI=K01569|title=Kent, Canterbury, Cathedral of Christ, The Precincts, [K01569]|website=NPOR|access-date=16 December 2020|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20240630054031/https://npor.org.uk/survey/K01569|archive-date=30 June 2024}}</ref>

=== Organists ===
{{See also|List of musicians at English cathedrals#Canterbury Cathedral}}
Organists and assistant organists at Canterbury Cathedral have included composers [[William Shelbye]], [[Clement Charlton Palmer]], [[Gerald Hocken Knight]] and [[Philip Moore (organist)|Philip Moore]] and musical directors [[Allan Wicks]] and [[Stephen Darlington]]. Following 42 years as both Assistant Organist and Organist and Master of the Choristers, [[David Flood (organist)|David Flood]] retired on 29 December 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-12-29|title=David Flood, the Cathedral's Director of Music, says farewell after four decades|url=https://www.canterburysociety.org.uk/david-flood-the-cathedrals-director-of-music-says-farewell-after-four-decades/|access-date=2022-04-19|website=The Canterbury Society|archive-date=26 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526112043/https://www.canterburysociety.org.uk/david-flood-the-cathedrals-director-of-music-says-farewell-after-four-decades/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following 10 years as assistant organist and latterly director of the Girls' Choir and a period as acting director of music, David Newsholme was appointed Director of Music in July 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=House|first1=Canterbury Cathedral Cathedral|last2=Canterbury|first2=11 The Precincts|date=2021-07-02|title=New Director of Music announced|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2021/07/02/new-director-of-music-announced/|access-date=2022-04-19|website=Canterbury Cathedral|archive-date=9 July 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709190751/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2021/07/02/new-director-of-music-announced/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Assistant Organist is Jamie Rogers and he was appointed in December 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=House|first1=Canterbury Cathedral Cathedral|last2=Canterbury|first2=11 The Precincts|date=2021-12-22|title=New Assistant Director of Music appointed|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2021/12/22/new-assistant-director-of-music-appointed/|access-date=2022-04-19|website=Canterbury Cathedral|archive-date=19 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220419131024/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/whats-on/news/2021/12/22/new-assistant-director-of-music-appointed/|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Choirs ===
There has been a choral tradition at Canterbury Cathedral for 1400 years. The cathedral choir consists of up to 25 boy choristers and 12 lay clerks and choral scholars. The boys are aged eight to thirteen. They receive scholarships and attend [[St Edmund's School]], Canterbury.<ref name=choir>[http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/community/choir.aspx Canterbury Cathedral Choir] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121206233332/http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/community/choir.aspx |date=6 December 2012 }}, retrieved 1 March 2013.</ref> There are seven choral services a week with Choral Evensong at 5:30 pm Monday through Friday, with the boys alone on Thursday and men on Wednesday. On Saturday and Sunday, there is evensong at 3:15 pm or 5:30pm and Eucharist on Sunday at 11 am. There are numerous extra services, especially at Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost.

The Girls' Choir of Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 2014 and their first performance at Evensong, in January, was attended by more than 600 people and widely covered by the international press.<ref>{{cite news|title=Schoolgirls end Canterbury Cathedral tradition of male-only choral singing|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/canterbury-cathedral-schoolgirls-end-tradition-male-only-choral-singing|last=Meikle|first=James|newspaper=The Guardian|date=9 January 2014|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708182042/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jan/09/canterbury-cathedral-schoolgirls-end-tradition-male-only-choral-singing|archive-date=8 July 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=All-girl choir makes history at Canterbury|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7-MGTGDEIg|publisher=Press Association|date=26 January 2014|access-date=9 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150606212655/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7-MGTGDEIg|archive-date=6 June 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> They gave their first concert in December of that year.<ref>{{cite news|title=First Canterbury Cathedral all-girl choir makes its Christmas concert debut|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11261520/First-Canterbury-Cathedral-all-girl-choir-makes-its-Christmas-concert-debut.html|last=Furness|first=Hannah|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=28 November 2014|access-date=5 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611043638/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11261520/First-Canterbury-Cathedral-all-girl-choir-makes-its-Christmas-concert-debut.html|archive-date=11 June 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> They now share their duties equally with the boys of the choir and sometimes work together. The girls are aged 12 to 18. They attend local schools in Canterbury and some further afield.<ref>[http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/worship/girls-choir/ Canterbury Cathedral Girls' Choir] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141218090242/http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/worship/girls-choir/ |date=18 December 2014 }}, retrieved 9 December 2014</ref>

In February 2023 it was announced that the entire framework for the child choristers at Canterbury Cathedral would be changing and that they would no longer board or attend St Edmund's School, causing local and international comment.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2023-03-04|title='It left us in shock and horror – we don't want these changes'|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/it-left-us-in-shock-and-horror-we-dont-want-these-change-283169/|access-date=2023-08-18|website=Kent Online|archive-date=18 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818051357/https://www.kentonline.co.uk/canterbury/news/it-left-us-in-shock-and-horror-we-dont-want-these-change-283169/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Equality and Inclusion Plan set up by the new Dean was at the heart of this.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Equality and Inclusion Plan for Boys' and Girls' Choirs|url=https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/news/posts/equality-and-inclusion-plan-for-boys-and-girls-choirs/|access-date=2023-08-18|website=Canterbury Cathedral|archive-date=18 August 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230818051355/https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/news/posts/equality-and-inclusion-plan-for-boys-and-girls-choirs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Bells ==
[[File:Dunstan 1.jpg|thumb|upright|Great Dunstan. {{youTube|zSvIiTU5YX8|Recording}}]]
The cathedral has a total of 21 bells in three of its five towers:
The South West Tower (Oxford Tower) contains the cathedral's main [[ring of bells]], hung for [[change ringing]] in the English style. There are fourteen bells&nbsp;– a ring of twelve with two semitones, which allow for ringing on ten, eight or six bells while still remaining in tune. All of the bells were cast in 1981 by the [[Whitechapel Bell Foundry]] from seven bells of the old peal of twelve with new metal added and rehung in a new frame. The length (draught) of the ropes was increased by lowering the floor of the ringing chamber to the level of the south aisle vault at the same time, also allowing for the new bells to be set lower in the belfry than the old, with the intention of reducing stress on the Medieval structure. The heaviest bell (tenor) of this ring weighs {{long ton||34|3|4}}.<ref>{{cite web|last=Love|first=Dickon|title=Canterbury Cathedral, Oxford Tower|work=Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent|url=http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=1121|access-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827005339/http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=1121|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> The ringers practise on Thursday at 7:15&nbsp;pm.

The North West Tower (Arundel Tower) contains the cathedral's clock chime. The five-quarter chimes were taken from the old peal of twelve in the Oxford Tower (where the clock was originally), and hung from beams in the Arundel Tower. The chimes are struck on the eighth Gregorian tone, which is also used at [[Merton College, Oxford]]. The hour is struck on Great Dunstan, the largest bell in Kent at {{long ton||62|2|9}},<ref>{{cite web|last=Love|first=Dickon|title=Canterbury Cathedral, Arundel Tower|work=Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent|url=http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=1122|access-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827005333/http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=1122|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref> which is also swung on Sunday mornings for [[Matins]].

In 1316 Prior Henry of Eastry gave a large bell dedicated to Saint Thomas, which weighed {{cvt|71+1/2|-Lcwt|kg}}. Later, in 1343, Prior Hathbrand gave bells dedicated to Jesus and St Dunstan. At this time the bells in campanile were rehung and their names recorded as "Jesus", "Dunstan", "Mary", "Crundale", "Elphy" (Ælfheah) and "Thomas". In the [[1382 Dover Straits earthquake]] the campanile fell, destroying the first three named bells. Following its reconstruction, the other three bells were rehung, together with two others, of whose casting no record remains.

The oldest bell in the cathedral is Bell Harry (approximately {{long ton||8}}<ref>{{cite web|last=Love|first=Dickon|title=Canterbury Cathedral, Central Tower|work=Love's Guide to the Church Bells of Kent|url=http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=1123|access-date=26 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827005319/http://kent.lovesguide.com/tower.php?id=1123|archive-date=27 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>), which hangs in a cage on the top of the central tower to which the bell lends its name. This bell was cast by [[Joseph Hatch (bellfounder)|Joseph Hatch]] in 1635, and is struck at 8&nbsp;am and 9&nbsp;pm every day to announce the opening and closing of the cathedral, and also occasionally for services as a Sanctus bell.<ref>{{harvnb|Stahlschmidt|1887|pp=192, 195}}</ref>

The cathedral also has custody of the bell of [[HMS Canterbury (1915)|HMS ''Canterbury'']], a World War I-era [[light cruiser]], hung near the [[Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment)|Buffs Chapel]] in the southwest transept.

== Library ==
[[File:Lyghfield Bible - 2018 auction catalogue - 10.jpg|thumb|Two leaves from the Lyghfield Bible]]
The [[library]] at Canterbury Cathedral has been in operation since the [[Middle Ages]], and thus possesses a large number and variety items from the time period.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Sandon |first=Nicholas |date=1976 |title=Fragments of Medieval Polyphony at Canterbury Cathedral |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/20532186 |journal=Musica Disciplina |volume=30 |pages=37–53 |issn=0077-2461}}</ref> Certain items within the library's collections that survived the turmoils surrounding the dissolution of the monasteries have been a part of the collection for nearly a millennium.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Naismith |first=Rory |date=2019 |title=Anglo-Saxon Kingdoms: Art, Word, War British Library, London 19th October 2018–19th February |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/26849285 |journal=The Burlington Magazine |volume=161 |issue=1391 |pages=143–146 |issn=0007-6287}}</ref> 

The cathedral library has a collection of about 30,000 books and pamphlets printed before the 20th century and about 20,000 later books and serials. Many of the earlier books were acquired as part of donated collections. It is rich in church history, older theology, British history (including local history), travel, science and medicine, and the [[Abolitionism in the United Kingdom|anti-slavery movement]]. The library's holdings are included in the online catalogue of the library of the [[University of Kent]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/history/libraries.aspx|title=History and heritage; Library|publisher=Canterbury Cathedral|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100914211157/http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/history/libraries.aspx|archive-date=14 September 2010}}</ref>

In July 2018, the cathedral purchased at auction a medieval Trussel Bible for £100,000. This Bible, subsequently renamed the "Lyghfield Bible", after the monk William Lighfyld, had previously been at Canterbury, and had been removed following the [[dissolution of the monasteries]].<ref name="ATG">{{cite web|last1=Media|first1=ATG|title=Medieval bible bought at auction to return to Canterbury Cathedral after 500 years away|url=https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/2018/medieval-bible-bought-at-auction-to-return-to-canterbury-cathedral-after-500-years-away/|publisher=Antiques Trade Gazette|access-date=2 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180802133224/https://www.antiquestradegazette.com/news/2018/medieval-bible-bought-at-auction-to-return-to-canterbury-cathedral-after-500-years-away/|archive-date=2 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
{{clear}}

== See also ==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* [[Alexander of Canterbury]]
* [[Architecture of the medieval cathedrals of England]]
* [[Dean of Canterbury]]
* [[Early Gothic architecture]]
* [[English Gothic architecture]]
* [[English Gothic stained glass windows]]
* [[List of cathedrals in England]]
* [[List of Gothic cathedrals in Europe]]
* [[List of tallest structures built before the 20th century]]
* [[Prior of Christ Church]]
* [[Poor Man's Bible]]
* [[Religion in the United Kingdom]]
{{div col end}}

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
* {{EB1911|wstitle=Abbey/Canterbury Cathedral}}

== Bibliography ==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{citation|title=The Romance of Canterbury Cathedral|first=Margaret|last=Babington|publisher=Raphael Tuck|year=1955}}{{ISBN?}}
* {{citation|last=Blick|first=Sarah|chapter=Reconstructing the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket, Canterbury Cathedral|title=Art and architecture of late medieval pilgrimage in Northern Europe and the British Isles|editor=Blick, Sarah|editor2=Tekippe, Rita|publisher=Brill|location=Leiden and Boston|year=2005}} {{ISBN?}}
* {{citation|title=A History of Canterbury Cathedral|editor1-last=Collinson|editor1-first=Patrick|editor2-last=Ramsay|editor2-first=Nigel|editor3-last=Sparks|editor3-first=Margaret|publisher=Oxford University Press|orig-year=1995|edition=revised|year=2002|isbn=019820051X}}
* {{citation|first=G. H.|last=Cook|title=Portrait of Canterbury Cathedral|publisher=Phoenix House|location=London|year=1949}}{{ISBN?}}
* {{citation|last=Farmer|first=David Hugh|title=The Oxford Dictionary of Saints|publisher=Oxford University Press|edition=3rd|year=1992|isbn=0192830694|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/oxforddictionary00farm}}
* {{citation|title=William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury – his life and letters|author=Iremonger, F. A.|author-link=Frederic Iremonger|publisher=Oxford University Press|year=1948}}{{ISBN?}}
* {{citation|title=Fisher of Lambeth: a portrait from life|first=William|last=Purcell|publisher=Hodder and Stoughton|year=1969|isbn=0340029382}}
* {{citation|last=Stahlschmidt|first=J. C. L.|title=The Church Bells of Kent: Their Inscriptions, Founders, Uses and Traditions|publisher=Elliot Stock|year=1887|oclc=12772194}}
* {{citation|title=The Architectural History of Canterbury Cathedral|last=Willis|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Willis (engineer)|publisher=Longman|location=London|year=1845|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=v1kgAAAAMAAJ}}
* {{citation|series=Bell's Cathedral Series|title=The Cathedral Church of Canterbury|first=Hartley|last=Withers|url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/22832/22832-h/22832-h.htm|edition=2nd revised|year=1897|publisher=George Bell|location=London|access-date=27 March 2018|archive-date=4 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180604063615/http://www.gutenberg.org/files/22832/22832-h/22832-h.htm|url-status=live}}
{{refend}}

== Further reading ==
{{refbegin|30em}}
*Babington, M. A. (1933) ''Canterbury Cathedral''. London: J. M. Dent ISBN 0361024746
*Best, Nicholas (2019), ''Bell Harry'', Endeavour Media
*Butler, John (2011), ''The Red Dean of Canterbury: the Public and Private Faces of Hewlett Johnson'', Scala Publishing, {{ISBN|1857597362}}
*Foyle, Jonathan (2013), ''The Architecture of Canterbury Cathedral'', Scala Arts and Heritage Publishers, {{ISBN|978-1857597011}}
*Guy, John (2012), ''Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel'', Random House, {{ISBN|1400069076}}
*Keates, Jonathan & Hornak, Angelo (2013), ''Canterbury Cathedral'', Scala Arts and Heritage Publishers, {{ISBN|978-1857590272}}
*Michael, M. A. (2004), ''The Stained Glass of Canterbury Cathedral'', Scala Arts and Heritage Publishers, {{ISBN|978-1857593655}}
*Newman, John (2013), ''Pevsner's Buildings of England, Kent: North and North East'', New Haven: Yale University Press, {{ISBN|978-0300185065}}
*Rudolph, Conrad, "The Parabolic Discourse Window and the Canterbury Roll: Social Change and the Assertion of Elite Status at Canterbury Cathedral", ''Oxford Art Journal'' 38 (2015) 1–19
*Sparks, Margaret (2007), ''Canterbury Cathedral Precincts: an historical survey'', Canterbury: Dean & Chapter of Canterbury, {{ISBN|978-0950139203}}
*Sparks, Margaret & Brayshaw, Karen (2011) ''The Library of Canterbury Cathedral''. Canterbury: Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, {{ISBN|978-0-906211-63-2}}
*Weaver, Jeffrey (2013) ''The Ancestors of Christ Windows at Canterbury Cathedral''. Los Angeles: Getty Publications, {{ISBN|978-1-60606-146-6}}
*{{cite book|first=Hartley|last=Withers|title=The Cathedral Church of Canterbury: A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Archiepiscopal See|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JRFBAAAAYAAJ|year=1908|orig-year=1896|publisher=Bell}}
*{{cite book|first=William|last=Woolnoth|title=A graphical illustration of the metropolitan cathedral church of Canterbury: accompanied by a history and description ... of that venerable fabric ... Also comprising biographical sketches of the lives of the archbishops, and deans of Canterbury; and historical notices of the celebrated Convent of Christchurch ...|url=https://archive.org/details/CathedralChurchOfCanterbury|year=1816|publisher=T. Cadell and W. Davies}}
{{refend}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Canterbury Cathedral}}
* {{Official website|https://www.canterbury-cathedral.org}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110713235639/http://kent.lovesguide.com/canterbury_cathedral.htm Details on bell towers]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060716111700/http://www.paradoxplace.com/Photo%20Pages/UK/Britain_South_and_West/Canterbury_Cathedral/Canterbury.htm Canterbury Cathedral on Adrian Fletcher's Paradoxplace]
* [https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/6275224.stm BBC news item re. Caen stone sourced for cathedral repairs]
* [http://www.gotik-romanik.de/Canterbury%20Thumbnails/Thumbnails.html Photos and plans of Canterbury Cathedral]

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