Canterbury (14 July)

Today has been lovely! We all took a 2-hour bus ride south to Canterbury where we visited the cathedral and a museum.

The Canterbury was the largest I’ve ever been in. I was amazed! We had a two-hour long guided tour in which we learned about the history, architecture, and more. Ever since the archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered inside the cathedral in 1170 and became a saint shortly thereafter, Canterbury became one of the three most important destinations for Catholic pilgrimages. Now the church is Anglican, as are most churches here now.

The cathedral contained a variety of architectural styles, most notably Gothic. Gothic architecture is identifiable by the pointed arches. Until today I hadn’t understood that these pointed archways are actually stronger than the round arches, so they could build very high buildings. At one place inside, the ceiling was 38 meters above us (125 feet) and the top of the tower was 68 meters high (223 feet). Impressive! At one point in time there were 17 stonemasons simultaneously working full time on the building. Beside the mere size of the building, the huge stained glass windows were stunning. I enjoyed my time there and was amazed that there was so much to see in the building—there were three levels: the nave, the quire, and the upper chapel. Plus, we went out to the cloister and down to the crypt. 

Part of the cathedral from the outside

St. Thomas Becket represented in the stained glass

After the cathedral we ate lunch and went to the Canterbury Tales Museum. I was excited for this because I had read part of Canterbury Tales during spring term. Let’s see . . . how can I describe this museum . . . it was a walking audio tour where we’d go through different rooms that were decorates with figures and scenery to represent the story. They made the Tales come to life through sight, sound, and—unfortunately—smell. Some rooms smelled like campfire, others like barnyards. I just couldn’t stop thinking about all the VOCs I was breathing in (Volatile Organic Compounds—the main culprit of terrible indoor air pollution).

We shopped a little bit before going back to the bus. I bought my first Cornish pasty (say paaasty, the aaa=the A in Andrew (or in the non-Wisconsin bag)). They are a traditional food here like a handheld pot pie. Mine was a traditional variety: it had steak and potatoes inside of a breaded shell. Historically they were made for the sailors to take out to sea. It was pretty good!

The pasty shop

On the drive home, I was reading Robin Hood, and within the first few pages, there was reference to Canterbury (been there, I thought). And then it talked about how all the yeomen were feasting on ale and pasties (done that . . . well, not the ale, obviously).

When we got home, Kathryn and I went down the road to get some food and see some stores. It was relaxing to be with just one person and not with a whole group of varying opinions. We actually both got a few shirts at H&M. Mom, you should be proud of me. Anyway, I’m sure you’ll instantly notice these shirts in photographs because they are NOT the seven shirts I brought with me.

So, it was a good day! And I’m excited for Cambridge tomorrow.