Page 75 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - England's South Coast

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VISITORS’ CHECKLIST
Geoffrey Chaucer (c.1345–1400)
Considered the first great English poet, Geoffrey Practical Information
Chaucer was a courtier and civil servant. He wrote 11 The Precincts, Canterbury.
The Canterbury Tales (c.1387–1400), a witty and Map F1. Tel 01227 762862.
rumbustious account of a group of pilgrims travelling Open 9am–5pm Mon–Sat (to
from London to Becket’s shrine. The pilgrims represent 5:30pm in summer), 12:30–2:30pm
a cross-section of 14th-century English society and Sun; call ahead. Closed for services
the tales remain one of the greatest and most An illustration in & concerts, Good Friday, 24 & 25
entertaining works of early English literature. The Canterbury Tales Dec. & 8 9 7 5 8am daily;
5:30pm Mon–Fri; 3:15pm Sat;
11am & 3:15pm Sun. =
∑ canterbury-cathedral.org

Bell Harry Tower
The central tower was built in 1498
to house a bell donated 100 years
previously by Henry of Eastry. The
fan vaulting is a superb example
of the late Perpendicular style.

. Site of the Shrine of
St Thomas Becket
This Victorian illustration
portrays Becket’s canonization.
The Trinity Chapel was built
to house his tomb, which
stood here until it was
destroyed in 1538. The spot
is now marked by a
lighted candle.

. Black Prince’s Tomb
A bronze effigy marks
the tomb of Edward III’s
son, who died in 1376.
The magnificent Trinity Chapel in Canterbury Cathedral

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