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Historic Graffiti
Historic graffiti across the walls of the Cathedral voices the beliefs, work, hopes and fears of those who built, lived, worshipped and visited this special place over the last 900 years.
Since 2018, a team of volunteers have been surveying, recording and sharing this historic graffiti with visitors, as part of a historic graffiti project.
The Historic Graffiti Project
The Canterbury Cathedral Historic Graffiti Research Project began in October 2018 as part of The Canterbury Journey – a Heritage Lottery Funded restoration and community engagement project – and continues to this day with a team of volunteers surveying and recording graffiti, and sharing the discoveries made with visitors.
Things to discover
Masons' marks, scenes of devotion, names, faces, hands and feet are all etched across the walls of the Cathedral and are now being surveyed, recorded and shared with visitors by our Historic Graffiti Research team. Want to find out more? Book your place on our Historic Graffiti guided tour.
Masons' marks
Some of the earliest marks in the Cathedral were made by the men who built it, to indicate their work. You can identify these marks by their repetition and quality.
Acts of devotion
From simple crosses, to complex biblical scenes, most medieval graffiti across the Cathedral were marks of faith.
Hands and feet
The marks left by school boys across the centuries - who traced round their hands and feet - can be found around the Great Cloister.
Names, initials and dates
Many post-medieval pieces of graffiti may commemorate an event, perhaps a visit to the Cathedral.
Fascinating Facts
42
The number of unique masons’ marks in the Eastern Crypt; suggesting the size of workforce that built it between 1179-81.
23ft
The length of the largest feasting scene in the Cathedral.
70+
There are over 70 footprints in the Great Cloister. Can you find them all?
Other highlights
Christ in Majesty
The largest graffiti in the Cathedral, located in the Eastern Crypt, is over 6 sqm. It depicts Christ surrounding by the four evangelists. This piece is behind protective glass, but please do ask a guide to illuminate it for you.
Image: Digital drawing interpretation by David White, Historic Graffiti Research Team
The mark of the Master of the Tomb
The mark of William Boolde in the Crypt is possibly that of Mayor Boolde of Canterbury (1457-8), or William Boolde, a monk at the Cathedral who was described as ‘master of the tomb’ in about 1490.
Dates throughout the year
Historic graffiti tour
Explore the historic graffiti that can be found throughout the Cathedral.
Discover a selection of different types of historic graffiti from different periods in the Eastern Crypt, Quire and Trinity Chapel.
New dates for this and other specialist tours are added regularly.
Book your tickets
Tickets start from £19.50 or free if you have a Cathedral Pass or Friends Card.
Other concessions available, with a valid proof of eligibility.
Group visits and school visits must be booked separately; KIDS GO FREE offer does not apply to group or school visits.
Other guided tours and talks
Our free* 15-minute Mini Talks offer a a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history, and guided tours are the perfect way to discover the Cathedral’s amazing history, spaces, and secrets.
We also host a range of paid talks, and run various free* themed talks, tours and open days through the year. Check our Events Calendar.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
WEEKLY Monday - Saturday 10:30, 12:00 and 14:00 and Sundays 13:00
'The Inside Story' Tour
Discover the story of Canterbury Cathedral through its soaring architecture, beautiful medieval stained glass and the history that helped make and shape the Cathedral.
From the Cathedral’s origins in the 6th century, the tour will encompass 1,400 years of history - with tales of royalty, clergy and everyday craftsmen who made the Cathedral what it is today - set amid a background of wars, political struggle and tales of bravery.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre.
DAILY Between 10:00-16:00, various intervals
FREE* Mini Talks
Listen to a bite-sized exploration of the Cathedral’s history with a free 15-minute Mini Talk, delivered by our knowledgeable team.
A great chance to discover more about the 1,400 years of history of our magnificent Cathedral - from the Black Prince and the turbulent Thomas Becket, to our Historic Graffiti and marvellous Stained Glass.
Take a pew and learn something new!
Talks subject to availability on the day. Ask at our Visitor Centre for times.
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Dates in April - June
Gentle Tours
Join us for our step-free tours, delivered at a gentle pace, in a smaller group; split into two parts, with a comfort break.
Dates:
- Thursday 17 April, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 1, 15 & 29 May, between 14:15-16:00
- Thursdays 12 & 26 June, between 14:15-16:00
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Please note: There is no discount available if you only wish to join one part of the tour.
Dates in May & June
‘The St Thomas Becket Story’ Tour
Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in the Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound.
Explore the places in the Cathedral associated with the life and death of the renowned saint and martyr, from the location of his shocking murder in 1170; to the site of his first tomb, where over 700 miracles were reported; and discover how the story was re-told in stained glass.
Dates:
- Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 May, 11:15-12:30
- Wednesdays 4, 11, 18, 25 June, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Dates in April - June
Stained Glass Windows Tour
Did you know that some stained-glass windows at Canterbury Cathedral are amongst the oldest in the world?
Join us on a guided tour, offering an introduction to the history and range of stained glass found at the Cathedral, from medieval to modern.
Discover richly-detailed Bible-story windows, explore Miracle Windows and see the oldest stained glass in England. You will be introduced to 20th Century glass reflecting stories of hope, and meet a host of famous faces immortalised in glass along the way.
Dates:
- Fridays 11 & 25 April, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 May, 11:15-12:30
- Fridays 6, 13, 20, 27 June, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
Dates in April - June (New dates added regularly)
American Connections Tour
Discover the strong bond that Canterbury Cathedral has with the United States.
This is the story of centuries of friendship across the Atlantic.
Dates:
- Fri 11 April, 11:15-12:30
- Thurs 24 April, 11:15-12:30
- Victory in Europe (VE) Day: Thurs 8 May, 11:15-12:30
- Memorial Day: Mon 26 May, 11:15-12:30
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: Thurs 19 June, 11:15-12:30
- Fri 27 June, 11:15-12:30
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Dates in April - June
Cathedral Library Tours
Our Cathedral Library collection includes books from the early decades of printing onwards, including books from some of the earliest European printing presses.
Join a guided tour to learn more about the Library and to explore some of the collection close-up.
Dates:
- Thurs 10 April, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 15 May, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 12 June, 14:00-15:00
- Thurs 26 June, 14:00-15:00
£8 per person, plus admission charge.
Dates in March & June
Stained Glass Studio Tours
Our Cathedral Studios workshop is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of Stained Glass Heritage.
Visit the studio, meet one of our conservators and learn more about their specialist work in the conservation, restoration and protection of our historic stained glass.
Dates:
- Thursday 20 March, 11:00-12:30
- Friday 20 June, 14:00-15:30
£25 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
Pre-booking required; not suitable for under 18s.
SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE LODGE
Hidden Views Tour & Tea
Mon 21 April - Two sessions: 13:30-15:30 or 15:15-17:15
View the Deanery and Archdeaconry from within their gardens, and learn more about the history of these buildings from these usually inaccessible perspectives.
The tour will be followed by a full afternoon tea in the Deanery, with the option to add a glass of Prosecco.
This includes an opportunity to be amongst the first to enjoy the newly renovated event spaces in the Deanery.
£45 per person; or £50 with glass of prosecco included
All events at Canterbury Cathedral Lodge have limited availability and must be pre-booked.
Full pre-payment will be taken at the time of booking and is non-refundable, unless we are able to re-sell places booked.
Fridays 11, 18 & 25 April, 11:15-12:30
Spring Precincts & Gardens Tour
Walk Canterbury Cathedral’s spring gardens with one of our gardening team just as the daffodils, alliums and spring grasses burst into life!
Discover the history of the Cathedral’s outdoor spaces and how they are cared for today. Explore the Cathedral grounds, once home to a Benedictine Monastery whose monks shaped the Cathedral site for centuries. Spot Bee Boles and learn where Cathedral Canons used to play bowls. Hear why the Cathedral Crypt is above ground and how the feet of Stephen Langton, a major influencer of Magna Carta, are out in the cold.
£5 per person, plus Cathedral admission charge.
Book at our Visitor Centre on the day of your visit, or email [email protected] to reserve your space.
SEASONAL TOUR
'Climb the Corona' Tour
Dates in May & June
The Corona Chapel was built in the 12th century to house the crown - ‘corona’ in Latin - of St Thomas Becket’s skull, which had been sliced off during his murder and was revered as a saintly relic.
Explore the Chapel, usually closed to the public, before climbing the 95 steps to the top of the Corona Tower itself!
Dates:
- Wednesdays 7, 14, 21 & 28 May, 14:15-15:15
- Fridays 9, 16, 23 & 30 May, 14:15-15:15
- Fridays 6, 13, 20 & 27 June, 14:15-15:15
- Wednesdays 11, 18 & 25 June, 14:15-15:15
£12 per person. Cathedral admission not included.
This is a popular tour; pre-booking suggested. Over 16s only.
Read full tour information and restrictions before booking. You will be required to sign a disclaimer, to confirm you have understood and will abide by the tour guidelines/restrictions.
EXCLUSIVE TOUR
Private Evening Cathedral Tours
Dates in May - October
There is nothing more atmospheric than visiting Canterbury Cathedral as evening falls outside, once the crowds have gone home, and you are able to enjoy the serenity and beauty of this special place all to yourself.
Discover the Cathedral when it is closed to the public, on an exclusive guided tour taken ‘out of hours’ led by one of our expert guides, who will share many fascinating stories with you.
This is your opportunity to explore parts of the building which are not normally open to the public, while learning about the history and architecture of this magnificent building as you make your way around.
This tour is perfect for history lovers and those seeking a unique way to enjoy the Cathedral - book your exclusive evening tour now and look forward to an truly special experience.
Dates:
- Fri 23 May, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 20 June, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 18 July, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 15 August, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 12 September, 18:30-20:00
- Fri 3 October, 18:30-20:00
£40 per person. Pre-booking required.
Various dates throughout the year
FREE* Family Tours
Bring your little historians to Canterbury Cathedral to hear stories of Becket and the Black Prince, Monks and Miracles, Tombs and Towers.
These tours are aimed at children aged 6 - 13 but are suitable for the whole family to enjoy!
Keep an eye on our Event Calendar and socials for future tour dates
*Included free with a valid Cathedral Admission Ticket, Cathedral Pass or Friends’ Card. Children aged 17 and under go free (T&Cs apply).
Dates in July & August
Canterbury’s UNESCO Sites tour: Foundations of Faith
These full day tours run 09:30-16:30
Discover more about the introduction of Roman Christianity to Britain on this unique fully-guided tour experience which takes you through the heartland of historic Canterbury.
Delve deeper into history with a guided tour at each location, and enjoy a sandwich lunch in beautiful gardens overlooking Canterbury Cathedral - all included.
Dates:
- Friday 11 July
- Tuesday 29 July
- Friday 1 August
- Thursday 14 August
£59.95 per person
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