St Dunstan's Church, Canterbury - St Dunstan's Church, Canterbury

A beautiful, mainly Medieval church on the Pilgrim Route into Canterbury. The head of St Thomas More lies within a vault in the Tudor Roper Chapel and the tower contains probably the oldest bell in the country still rung full-circle.

St Dunstan’s Church is on the ancient Pilgrim Route from Winchester & London to Canterbury. It is connected to two King Henrys and two famous Thomases. In July 1174, 850 years ago this year, King Henry stopped here to change into penitential garments before making his way to the cathedral to do penance for the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket. In 1535 another king, Henry VIII, had his former Chancellor Sir Thomas More beheaded for refusing to sign the Act of Supremacy. His daughter Margaret Roper obtained the head, which is now in a vault in the Roper Chapel. Margaret herself, one of the most learned women of her time, is also buried here. This year is the 480th anniversary of her death. Our oldest bell, which was made locally, dates from 1325. Local poet John Chalk Claris and nurseryman William Masters are buried in the churchyard.
The church stands on a Roman cemetery, has Saxon work in the north wall, an ancient chest, and some wonderful stained glass.