'The St Thomas Becket Story' Tour

About

Uncover the full story of St Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral, where echoes of his life and legacy resound. On this tour you will learn about Thomas' rise from humble beginnings to become an integral part of King Henry II's circle, trusted Chancellor and eventually Archbishop of Canterbury. You will discover the fierce arguments that shattered Thomas and the King's relationship and divided the church, eventually leading to Thomas' violent murder in the Cathedral in 1170, which sent shockwaves throughout the Christian world, all in the place where the events happened. You can see the sites of Thomas' two tombs and uncover tales of miracles associated with Thomas' burial place, which led to Canterbury becoming a hugely important destination for pilgrimage throughout the middle ages, as commemorated in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. You can also learn how a later king, Henry VIII, attempted to destroy all trace of Thomas' burial place, and how the Cathedral's stained glass windows kept Thomas' story alive and help ensure that he is remembered to this day.

Dates in March and April:

Wed 6 March, 11:15-12:30
Wed 13 March, 11:15-12:30
Wed 20 March, 11:15-12:30
Wed 27 March, 11:15-12:30
3rd April 11.15-12:30
10th April 11.15-12:30
17th April 11.15-12:30
24th April 11.15-12:30
£5 per person, plus admission charge. Book at our Visitor Centre, or reserve your space by emailing visits@canterbury-cathedral.org