The Historic Canterbury Cathedral

The Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, England is one of the oldest Christian structures in England and forms part of a World Heritage Site. Canterbury's skyline is dominated by the stunning Canterbury Cathedral. Located in the southeastern corner of England, Kent borders the river Thames and North Sea to the north, and the Straits of Dover and English Channel to the south, France is a mere 21 miles across the Strait, and Kent is one of the warmest parts of England. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, art, music, the spiritual aspect or the beauty of the town and country surrounding Canterbury Cathedral there are many avenues to explore.


Almost everyone had to read Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales at some point during their education. Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written in Middle-English by Chaucer at the end of the 14th century. The tales are written as a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims traveling together on a journey from Southwark to the shrine of Saint Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. In 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral, as told by Chaucer in his famous tome, and since that time the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims.


Having survived fires, pillaging and attacks by the Danes, aggression from the Puritans, and even aggressive air bombings in the area during the Second World War, the Cathedral luckily remained virtually intact. Today over 2 million visitors come to the Cathedral each year; some come to pray and some come as tourists. If you like to travel the Canterbury Cathedral is a lovely place to visit. The history, architecture, art, and religious aspects, the archival library, as well as the beautiful countryside surrounding the structure, are more than enough reasons for most to consider visiting the area.


First and foremost Canterbury Cathedral is a working, living church and place of worship; Cathedral life begins daily with Morning Prayer and finishes with Evening Prayer. The Eucharist is also offered daily. Many other services take place throughout the year and visitors are always welcome.


Canterbury Cathedral is impressive for its size alone. A unique combination of architectural features from Western Roman and Byzantine buildings, known generally as Romanesque architecture which is known for thick walls, sturdy piers, large towers and decorative arcading, the building is impressive. Equally impressive, as well as revolutionary at the time of construction, are Canterbury Cathedral's pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses.

The grandeur of the building's Romanesque Gothic style architecture reflects historic and religious importance, as does the magnificent collection of medieval stained glass windows. Canterbury Cathedral's stained glass windows, many surviving from the late 12th and early 13th centuries, are a sight to behold; in the Middle Ages most people could not read or write, stained glass windows told the stories of the Bible in pictures that anyone could interpret.


A particular grouping, known as the Miracle Windows, depict stories that sometimes involve local people whose names are still known today. These windows provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval life, particularly common illnesses and accidents. Many scenes take place around Thomas Becket's tomb.

The Cathedral now has its own stained glass conservation studio, established in 1973, and a team of seven highly trained conservators. The studio has become a center of excellence in stained glass conservation and restoration throughout the world.



The Canterbury tradition of Cathedral music is also quite special. Music is an integral part of Cathedral life and they take great pride in the music performed at their services. Every day visitors are given the chance to celebrate and enjoy music written for the English choral tradition as well as music from other parts of the world. The choir consists of twelve Lay Clerks, men who are professional singers but also work locally, and the 30-strong choristers, boys of 8 - 13 years old who attend St Edmund's School in Canterbury. They sing at services six days a week, as well as at special events happening in Canterbury Cathedral.


The choir's repertoire is extensive and always expanding, they learn and perform music dating from the 13th century to modern works. Every two-weeks there is a mixture of styles and composers, so that there is something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. Evensong is sung on a Wednesday and is normally sung by the Lay Clerks alone. The twelve Lay Clerks, 4 basses, 4 tenors and 4 countertenors, have a high standard of vocal training and ability. Since the post of Lay Clerk is part-time it requires great commitment to schedule practices and performances in and around other work and family, but the result is heavenly.


For the more serious traveler the Canterbury Cathedral Library may be a point of interest. Since the Reformation numerous donations have formed the majority of holdings. The Library contains about 30,000 books and pamphlets printed before 1900, and a collection of some 20,000 books and serials published in the 20th and 21st centuries. The collection of books on church history, older theology, national and local history, travel, natural science, medicine and the anti-slavery movement is particularly expansive. The Library welcomes all researchers; their holdings are tracked on the internet as part of the University of Kent's online catalogue at http://opac.kent.ac.uk/.


Although Canterbury is a place steeped in tradition it is also a modern and vibrant city. Luxury hotels, fine restaurants, and welcoming pubs combine to give a complete experience. For those who like to shop, Canterbury's array of shop windows beckons with a kaleidoscope of colors. The King's Mile has an atmosphere all of its own, while the city's St Dunstan's, West Gate Towers, and Northgate areas have a range of specialist and individual outlets.

Travelling by foot is a good way to explore the city. Walking trails or guided walks will allow you to make the most of your time enjoying the winding lanes and streets. Alternatively you may wish to relax view the city with a boat trip along the River Stour. You will be able to appreciate Canterbury's historical architecture set against outstanding, scenic views. The crystal clear waters offer a home to ducks, swans, fish and other wildlife, while the river banks have an array of bending willow trees and wild flowers. I can’t think of  better reasons to visit, can you?

References: http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/canterbury-cathedral

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canterbury_Cathedral

Thank you to Flickr.com for some beautiful photos

Doorways of Harbour Island.

I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to vacation for several years now on beautiful Harbour Island, Bahamas. Sometimes called the "Nantucket of the Caribbean" because of the New England style clapboard houses, different from those here in New England, but strangely related through a common history . The world-famous "Three Mile Beach” or "Pink Sand Beach" attracts a very cosmopolitan crowd, as well as being the site of many model shoots. In fact, there was a recent Sport Illustrated Swimsuit Issue shot there. While on the island I took a few photographs of the doorways. When I return in the future, which I will certainly do as soon as humanly possible, I hope to photograph more doorways to share with you.

Harbour Island is set off the north east coast of Eleuthera. Known locally as “Briland”, the island is just over three miles long by a mile wide and was once the capital of the Bahamas.

Just a little history for you to set the mood: In 1648, Captain William Sayles set sail from Bermuda with a following of English Puritans looking to escape religious oppression. They named the beautiful Bahamian island where they landed “Eleuthra”, the Greek word for freedom. In time the settlers split off and moved to some of the other “Outer Islands”, including Harbour Island, in order to protect themselves from the Spanish.

Dunmore Town is the only town on Briland and one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas. It is a quaint village with lots of old New England architecture and has preserved more of its old colonial-style architecture than any other island in the Bahamas. Many of the pastel colored, wooden buildings date back to the 1800's. The framework of one building on Bay Street, "The Loyalist Cottage", dates back to 1790.

Many of these old colonial houses were built during the area’s prosperous fruit growing era in the latter part of the 19th century. Some of the homes that remain from this time have preserved the old colonial architecture with balconies, picket fences, lattice work and garrets. Many foreign-going ships picking up fruit and depositing it in foreign parts visited Harbour Island. It was out of this prosperity that Dunmore Town was expanded and eventually grew to what it is today. Known for its pink sand beaches, Harbour Island is one of the most sought after vacation destinations because it is so small and intimate. If you want to visit make sure to book well in advance.

If you really want to get in the island mood, mon, click on Goombay Smash, you’ll have a recipe that appeared in Bon Appetit’s June, 2008 issue courtesy of the Pink Sands Resort. Goombay Smash is a fabulous island drink make with tropical juices and a lot of rum. They are dangerously delicious and trust me you don’t want to drink too many. Most of the island restaurants and hotels make the drink on the rocks, but the first time Paul took me to Harbour Island we went to visit a friend of his who made them slushy – think Margaritaville with rum instead of tequila. I’m partial to slushy Margaritas and now slushy Goombay Smashes.

Whether or not you partake of a Goombay Smash I hope you enjoy a few of my Harbour Island Doorways.

DOORWAYS

You can't really see this doorway, but you get the idea of the pastel colors in the bright Bahamian sun, the rustling palm trees for a hedge, and the picket fence reminicent of New England, or England, as the case may be.

Bahama House Inn: Not exactly their door but I love the blue and pink, plus it's a fabulous place to stay. Neighbors to the Rock House, convienent to the harbor area, some of the rooms have kitchenettes, gorgeous deck, very friendly and inviting atmosphere. Tell John Paul and Beth sent you. And click on the link, my photo does not due the Bahama House justice.

This cute little cottage is just down the street from the Bahama House on the opposite side of the street. That's Paul standing to the right. He's talking to a nice gentleman who was white washing the fence. Paul was particularly interested in this house because it was for sale- and a bit rundown - a number of years ago. He was very happy to see that the new owner had restored it quite lovingly in keeping with the colonial period that the island is known for.

This is the doorway to a home called "Blue Ruin". Many of the homes on the island have names: Bloomin' Luck, True Love, Luna Sea. I know we are on a run of blue here but I'm sure it has something to do with the sky and the clear, blue water, don't you? I love the light fixture to the right with the ball of shells on the top. Above the handle is a dolphin door knocker and the juxtaposition of the tile, stucco and wood is soothingly tropical.

This is one of a number of doorways that feature beautiful wrought iron work. A few more appear below. I love the bright pinks, blues, yellows and greens in the tropical sunlight.

The final doorway for now. We visited over the Christmas holidays and I love the sea shell wreath. I collected a bunch of shells and plan to make one myself so I can always have a little bit of sea and sunshine with me.