St Augustine's Abbey

Welcome, fellow traveler and student of history. I invite you to walk alongside me as we explore the magnificent and multilayered ruins of Saint Augustine Abbey here in the historic city of Canterbury. …

We begin our physical journey at the perimeter of the complex, near the imposing Cemetery Gate and the area that now houses the visitor center. As the name suggests, this very ground was a massive burial site long before…

You are now standing within the massive footprint of the great Norman church nave. Look around at the low stone walls outlining what was once a staggering architectural marvel. …

Moving slightly south of the main nave, we arrive at an area of immense historical consequence known as the Porticus of Saint Martin. This small space originally opened off the south side of Augustine's first church, built soon…

We now descend visually and historically into the main crypt of the abbey, specifically looking at the front piece known as the Chapel of the Virgin Mary. Even in its ruined state, you can clearly trace the outlines of the heavy…

Just a short distance away, you will notice a fascinating and highly unusual set of circular stone foundations. This area is known as Abbot Wulfric's Rotunda, and it represents one of the most ambitious and ultimately tragic…

We have now stepped into the cloister, instantly recognizable by its large, square, open grassy center. Imagine a covered walkway running along the perimeter of this square, supported by beautifully carved arcades. …

As we reach the far eastern boundary of the abbey grounds, slightly isolated from the main complex, we encounter the remarkable ruins of the Church of Saint Pancras. Immediately, you will notice a stark difference in the building…

As we make our way toward the perimeter walls, we confront the dramatic end of nine centuries of monastic life. In the fifteen thirties, King Henry the Eighth broke ties with the Pope in Rome, declaring himself the supreme head…

Our journey through the centuries draws to a close. If you look toward the slight hillock near the eastern edge, a mound topped with trees where a separate bell tower once stood, you can find a beautiful vantage point over the…