St. Dunstan's, Canterbury, Medieval church building in Canterbury, England
St. Dunstan's is a stone church located at the junction of London Road and Whitstable Road in Canterbury, featuring six bells arranged for English change ringing. The building is designed for accessibility, with level access throughout its main areas for all visitors.
The church served as the starting point for King Henry II's penitential pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral in 1174 following Thomas Becket's death. This connection demonstrates how the building has been intertwined with major moments in English history for centuries.
The church houses the preserved head of Sir Thomas More within the Roper family vault, a quiet memorial to one of England's most contested historical figures. Visitors encounter this place of reflection, where a family's personal loss connects to a moment of national upheaval.
The church opens daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, welcoming all visitors with straightforward access throughout. Level entrances and clear pathways in the main areas make it easy for everyone to explore the interior.
One of the five bells in the tower dates to 1325, placing it among the oldest surviving Christian church bells anywhere. This ancient bell still rings today, connecting current visitors directly with a heritage spanning over 600 years.
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