Dover/Canterbury 10 July 2010

Dover Castle was our first stop today. As the coach came around the corner into the town, the white cliffs were visible. Even though we weren't out at sea to see them from afar, they were still impressive. This is another site maintained by the English Heritage organization; information on each site is available through their home page.

Dover Castle sits atop the the heights above Dover. A fortification has been at this place in some form or fashion since before Roman occupation. There are the remnants of a pharos next to a Saxon church to the rear of the grounds. The castle, as it sits today was begun in 1160 by Henry II. There were troops garrisoned there continuously until the mid-twentieth century. Although built to impress and survive a siege, the castle saw little action with one attack in 1216. A recent refurbishment has turned the castle into an historic showplace. There were re-enactors portraying Henry II, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and Prince John. Touring through the rooms of the keep which had been filled with replica appointments was a great experience. The actors interacted with as many guests as they were able and were particularly attentive to children.


Our second stop was the town of Canterbury. The town has been home to human habitation since the New Stone Age and continued up through the Roman occupation and beyond. The town was home to St. Augustine (597 AD), Theodore and Hadrian. The Vikings attacked the settlement numerous times. The Cathedral, for which the town is well know began construction in 1070 and was completed in 1510. Thomas Beckett was murdered in 1170 and thereafter became a pilgrim destination. We were fortunate enough to be at the Cathedral while a service was going on. Although the service necessitated closing a portion of the church to touring, listening to the service while in the church and crypt heightened the ambiance.

The coach park was at one end of the town and in order to reach the town center, there is a lovely riverwalk where people can relax, picnic or fish. The town was absolutely charming. There are many little shops in the warren of streets. The girls and I had lunch at a public house called the Hobgoblin. We sat in the front room and enjoyed decent fair and each others company. Information on Canterbury Cathedral is available at their website. Visitor information to the town is available at www.canterbury.co.uk.