012 SPRING SPOTLIGHT ON CANTERBURY
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THE BUTTERMARKET
As the city’s historical and archeological society explains, the Buttermarket site, which includes the striking Christchurch Gate entrance to the Cathedral in central Canterbury, has undergone a significant transformation over the past 500 years. It had, until the 17th century, been known as the bull stake, which had cruelly been used to tie bulls up to be baited by dogs. Subsequently, in 1664 John Somner, brother of writer
William Somner, funded a market hall with a theatre on the site. Much later, in the 1890s, a memorial to local playwright Christopher Marlowe in the form of a female muse was installed. The area today remains a key attraction for tourists as they make their way to the cathedral, and perhaps take in the Old Buttermarket pub, which has had an inn for more than 500 years on the site.
© Ato 01 BURGATE
One of the oldest city street names in Canterbury is thought to be Burgate (meaning gate of the borough), which dates from the Saxon era. There was once a church, St Michael’s, above the original gate, which is said to have once had the heads of executed traitors placed upon it. The original
PALACE STREET
One of the most intriguing locations near Canterbury Cathedral is Palace Street, which has its own special footnote in history. The street is particularly notable for several examples of
corner decorative figures known as corbels, which in many instances date back centuries, and are thought to have warded off evil spirits or disease.
Among its array of striking timber framed Tudor buildings lies Conquest House – which is said to have a close connection with the knights who were sent on the orders of King Henry II to dispatch Thomas Becket. These days, the property (below) has been smartly
revamped into artists’ studios highlighting some of the area’s most impressive creative talent. The area is now part of what is known as the King’s Mile,
and renowned for its boutique and independent stores which have undergone a revival in recent years.
structure, including its towers, fell into disrepair through the centuries and was finally dismantled in 1822. Today, if you are pretty eagle-eyed, you can spot a few stones from the original gate at number 3 Burgate, with the street now home to a number of independent stores.
BEER CART LANE
As its name suggests, Beer Cart Lane, opposite the former heritage centre (now closed, but previously the site of a 12th century Poor Priests’ hospital), once had a brewery on the corner that was much frequented on account of the fact that before water treatment works operated within the city, it was considered by many to be cleaner than general water supplies. According to Canterbury Archaeological Trust, there have been a number of intriguing historical finds in the street – including a 5th century burial with an iron knife and alloy copper bangles, and copper alloy keys. As for the present day, one of Beer Cart Lane’s star attractions is The Ambrette Restaurant, which has gained a Michelin star for its inventive cuisine, along with The Chaucer Bookshop, Bang & Olufsen and more.
© Ian Clark
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