Canterbury churches [8]

Image: © Michael Dibb Taken: 6 Sep 2021

Part of the extensive churchyard. The Anglican parish church of St Martin is recognized as the oldest church building in Britain still in use as a church, and the oldest parish church in the English-speaking world. The earliest parts of the building possibly dates to the 6th century and may have been used by Roman Christians. The church was the private chapel of Queen Bertha of Kent. The church contains many reused Roman bricks, as well as complete sections of walls of Roman tiles. At the core of the church the brick remains of a Roman tomb were integrated into the structure. The tower is 14th century. The church has a Saxon font. Listed, grade I, with details at: https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1242166 The church is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Canterbury is a small historic city on the River Stour in Kent, some 54 miles southeast of London. Occupied since prehistoric times, it became an important Roman city. In 672, the see of Canterbury gained authority over the entire English Church. After the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket at the cathedral in 1170, pilgrims from all parts of Christendom came to visit his shrine until the Dissolution. Today, Canterbury is a popular tourist destination and one of the most-visited cities in the United Kingdom. The city has a substantial student population, with four university campuses.

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