Grounds to Go to Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral has a long and storied background indeed. It is one of the most well-known architectural structures in the whole of England, having been immortalized in song, books, and the consciousness of the British people for centuries. It is hardly surprising that Canterbury has been a very significant area for a thousand years or more, plus to this day it is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike. Heritage. Along with the close by St. Augustine’s Abbey and St. Martin’s church, Canterbury Cathedral is a part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As a result it is a wonderful location for any person with an appreciation for days gone by, from the casual fancy of an ordinary tourist to the specialized interests of the skilled historian. Canterbury has functioned as the seat for the Christian church in England since Pope Gregory the Great sent a mission to the Anglo-Saxon peoples. The man picked to steer this mission, St. Augustine, set up the cathedral at Canterbury in the year 602 AD and became its first archbishop. The initial design is no more standing, having been rebuilt almost completely early in the Norman age. The design and style of the present cathedral dates to the 1077 dedication. Under the instruction of Archbishop St. Anselm from 1093 to 1109, the choir section at the eastern end was considerably increased and an enormous and ornate crypt built underneath it. During the long history of Canterbury Cathedral the church has seen baptisms, weddings, and burials of a few of England’s most prominent royals, and also its share of scandals and assassinations. Art. Of course, when one considers Cathedrals and artwork the first thing to spring to mind is the ornate stained glass windows that are so common. And despite the fact that the stained glass windows of Canterbury are lovely and, in some cases, seven or eight hundred years old, the artistic importance the Cathedral encompasses much much more. There are elaborate carvings and paintings to appreciate and in a sense, the whole building is a thing of beauty. The medieval constructors of these ornate types of Cathedrals were the the very best, and they were all seeking to assemble a church that would astound and amaze tourists. With the possible exclusion of particular palaces owed to the most wealthy of nobles, cathedrals were the largest and most ornate buildings in the western world. Music. The contemporary Canterbury Cathedral takes great delight in its musical programs. It has a professional choir of twelve members: four basses, four tenors, and four countertenors. The Choristers of Canterbury Cathedral are made of a team of thirty boys whose ages vary from eight to thirteen. The Cathedral holds all of its musicians to the highest of standards, and the audition process is quite unique. Concerts and occasions presenting other choral groups and orchestras are also held at Canterbury Cathedral, lending a lofty atmosphere to any musical piece. Find more facts about Canterbury Cathedral
