Church of the Holy Cross, Grade II* listed medieval church building in Canterbury, England
The Church of the Holy Cross is a medieval stone building with a central nave, two side aisles, and a square tower oriented northwest toward the River Stour. The structure has been repurposed as Canterbury's Guildhall and serves as the council meeting place.
Archbishop Simon Sudbury founded the building before his death in 1381, moving it from above Westgate to its current location. This relocation was part of Canterbury's medieval urban development.
The name Holy Cross reflects its spiritual purpose, and the interior layout shows how worshippers from many backgrounds gathered here together over the centuries. The space reveals how different communities used this place as a meeting point for faith.
The building is easy to locate at St Peter's Place and is regularly used for public business. Visitors should check ahead about access times, as rooms may be reserved for council functions on certain days.
The building's tower originally held four bells until they were removed in 1552, once filling the town with their sound. These bells served as important timekeepers and called residents to prayer throughout medieval times.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
