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| Cover of Canterbury Streets by Janet Cameron Published by Tempus Publishing |
It's
hard to believe that the area occupied by one of England's most
beautiful cities was once a swampy wasteland. That is, until our
prehistoric ancestors began learning to use tools. Now Canterbury's
vibrant mix of old and new, coexisting in harmony, earns it a unique
place in England's history.
The
"Blitz" Raids
A
watershed in the history of Canterbury was the Blitz, particularly
the raids of 1942 which destroyed many beautiful buildings, from
private homes to fine, historical treasures. The Baedeker raids
against England's town and cities were in reprisal for RAF night
attacks against German cities. The raid on 1 June 1942, was meant to
avenge the bombing of Cologne on 30 May. It is estimated that one
fifth of Canterbury was devastated that night during an attack that
lasted 2hrs 30mins.
Fortunately,
the city's greatest treasures, like the Cathedral, survived, thanks
to vigilant fire-watchers. This stunning, Gothic masterpiece was
originally built and consecrated in 1070 and its last major
alterations were in 1834. It is the seat of the Archbishop of
Canterbury, Rowan Williams, symbolic head of the Anglican Church.
War
Heroes
The
War Memorial stands in the Buttermarket. One of the names inscribed
is that of Philip Thornton, who once lived with his family in Stone
Street. Philip Thornton volunteered as a soldier, joining the Buffs,
which is the Royal East Kent Regiment. In 1941, Philip left from
Canterbury East Station for his posting in India, and then went off
to fight in the Battle
for Burma.
He was killed at Donbaik in 1943.
An
Angel Sang that Night
Philip
loved music and had often sung at carol concerts, giving performances
which prompted one old man to say: "I thought I heard the angels
sing last night." After his death, his parents received a letter
from complete strangers in India, where he had been trained for a
year. It said: "As long as Christmas has its carols, we shall
remember your son."
A
Spectacular View of the "Blitz"
The
University of Kent at Canterbury stands on a site once occupied by
Brotherhood and Beverley farms. From this site, high up, many people
watched, fascinated by the spectacular flares and brilliant cascades
of lights illuminating Canterbury on the night of the 1942 raid. One
account records that one hundred people watched the terrible
destruction including the toppling of church steeples. It seems
bizarre to describe the destruction of war as anything but horrific,
yet people reflecting on the sight said it was "beautiful."
An
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Canterbury
is a fine city, buzzing with activity and is located close to many
areas of outstanding natural beauty, easily accessible by bus or
train. It is a blessing that its indomitable spirit during the Second
World War raids helped protect its most precious treasure, the great
Canterbury Cathedral - or, by its full and proper name - Cathedral
and Metropolitan Church of Christ at Canterbury.
Sources:
Stephen
Bax
Doris
Conroy
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