Canterbury

CANTERBURY

(Durovernum Cantiacorum)

Quality of Remains

Ease of Access

Atmosphere & Setting

History & Occupation:

The latin name of Canterbury translates in long-winded fashion as 'the fortified town in the swamp of alders belonging to the Cantiacii tribe.' It had already been a Celtic tribal settlement before the Roman invasion. Some small evidence has been found of an early timber fort dating from the invasion of 43 AD, but this was likely short-lived. Though Canterbury is not noted in any of the great memorable events of Roman Britain, it remained important, both as a tribal capital and as a trade centre on the route from Richborough into the country's heart. Canterbury's real brush with importance came after the Roman period, with the arrival of St Augustine and the Catholic monastery.

Remains and Visit:

Like many modern cities, much of Roman Canterbury is lost or remains buried, though tantalising fragments can be spotted here and there. Part of the Roman city walls can be seen built into the side of a church on the northern sector and the barely-discernable remains of the Quenin gate can be identified built into the Medieval walls behind the Cathedral precinct. The church of St Martin beyond the abbey of St Augustine is the oldest known working church in Britain and dates from the late Roman period, with considerable Roman masonry visible in one of its walls. Other than this, the main sight of Roman Canterbury is the Roman Museum close to the Cathedral. This consists of a well-laid out museum and a portion of a Roman house, complete with hypocaust floor and mosaics that has been rpeserved beneath a shopping centre. The lack of other substantial remains does not diminish the value of Canterbury. It is such a charming place that hunting through the city for small Roman fragments is as much of a joy as touring some of the larger sites.

Images:


Quenin Gate	Roman walls	Late Roman church

Hypocaust in Roman Museum	Mosaic in Roman Museum	Mosaic in Roman Museum