[81] Following 10 years as Assistant Organist and latterly Director of the Girls' Choir and a period as Acting Director of Music, David Newsholme was appointed Director of Music in July 2021. St Martin's Church, Canterbury - Wikipedia Let's find out the foundation of Canterbury Cathedral. Rebuilding began in 1070 under the first Norman archbishop, Lanfranc (10701077). Cathedral archives record Archbishop Alphege being . The shopping area, Longmarket, has since been renovated. We cant wait to welcome you to Canterbury Cathedral. Canterbury Cathedral is located in the city with the same name in the county of Kent. During the 16th-century Reformation, the numerous monastic houses were dissolved, the cult of Becket was suppressed, and the town languished. How could I not? King Henry VIII summoned the dead saint to court to face charges of treason. The rebuilding was led by Lanfranc who moved to the cathedral from the monastery of St. Etienne. With the Church of St Martin, the oldest church in England, and the Abbey of St Augustine nearby . Often described as England in stone, Canterbury Cathedrals rich history is intrinsically linked to the nations story. Today, a candle marks the spot where the shrine once stood. David Flood, Organist and Master of the Choristers for over 40 years, oversaw the redesign, specification and total expansion and rebuilding project of the Cathedral Organ in 20182020[79] The organ has now been fully restored and greatly enlarged, including reinstating the fourth manual, by Harrison and Harrison with work finishing in February 2020. The cathedral holds many community service projects every year. That cathedral has a length of 135 meters (443 feet) but is a lot wider at 100 meters (330 feet). The History of Canterbury Cathedral and 10 Facts You May Not Know [55], In 1986, a new Martyrdom Altar was installed in the northwest transept, on the spot where Thomas Becket was slain, the first new altar in the cathedral for 448 years. Between 11.30-12.30, access is available to the Cathedral ground and Shop only. [9] During the 9th or 10th century this church was replaced by a larger structure (161 by 75ft, 49 by 23m) with a squared west end. The Foundation also includes the choristers, lay clerks, organists, King's Scholars, the Six Preachers and a range of other officers; some of these posts are moribund, such as that of the cathedral barber. It was initially believed that the structure was a converted Roman temple, but no evidence to support this theory has been found yet. 10 Interesting Facts About Canterbury Cathedral A series of capitals in the large crypt is a fine example of Norman architectural sculpture and features animals and monsters of fable.