Kent - Day 2

We awoke this morning after probably the best night’s sleep for the past three weeks. We didn’t hear a peep from James and his cough. Maybe it was the picture of the badgers over his bed??

Breakfast was in the conservatory. Although it was a grey morning we enjoyed the views of the Alkham valley. The B&B is perched on a ridge so provides a perfect vantage point for enjoying the surroundings. Wendy and Neil cooked up a superb breakfast. They delight in collecting fresh local produce including sausages, eggs, and local Kent honey.

Most trips we take are packed to the hilt with travels and adventures. I’ve had a very busy few weeks with work, and with James’ persistent cold, we were all feeling a little tired. So today we wanted to strike the right balance.

You can’t visit Kent without seeing Canterbury Cathedral so this was our first port of call. Arriving in Canterbury Merrilyn was keen to visit ‘The Goods Shed’ farmer’s market. It’s a permanent market packed with loads of Kent produce. We bought apples, cheeses, vegies and some freshly baked pastries for a snack later on. James wanted to carry the cheese for the rest of the day but we convinced him that warm, squishy washed-rind cheese is not great on biscuits.

Canterbury Cathedral is a world heritage site. We’ve seen a few very impressive cathedrals in the past few weeks but I guess this one has special historic significance – being the seat of the Anglican faith. In AD597 missionaries from Rome converted the kind of Kent to Christianity. Augustine, leader of the mission, was consecrated as Archbishop and his cathedra (official seat) was established at Canterbury.

We entered the Cathedral via the Nave. Here our eyes were drawn up to via the Gothic arches and pillars to the ceiling high above. At the West end of the Nave is a stained glass window – with some panes dating to 1176.

Perhaps one of the most significant spots in the Cathedral is where Thomas Becket was murdered by Henry II’s knights on 29 December 1170. He was violently attacked and there is a belief that one of the Knight’s broke a sword tip with the force of the blows. This spot has become a focal point for pilgrimage and on 29 May 1982, Pope John Paul II and Archbishop Robert Runice prayed together.

The Cathedral contains a stunning crypt. Photos are not permitted so I can’t share with you the visuals. However, it is a large space with many chapels. Some had frescos that date back to the 12th century. It was also a place for reflection and worship. One of the chapels was being used for a service and the sounds echoed throughout the crypt. Amazing.

Returning from the crypt we made out way to the Trinity Chapel. It is surrounded by immense stained glass windows with deep, rich colours. Scenes depict Thomas Becket and Henry II. Some of the windows are 13th century. Also housed here is the medieval tomb of Edward, Prince of Wales, known as the Black Prince (d 1376).

We had lunch at a local café and then headed to Whitstable to see the Thames Estuary. By now the weather had well and truly closed in and the wind was howling. We parked the car and walked along the harbour. James was exhausted and was sound asleep. Merrilyn and I took turns carrying him. The water of the estuary was a murky brown and in the distance we could make out wind generators in the harbour and the northern shores of Suffolk . There is a thriving fish market but I think that will have to wait for a better day.

We decided to call it a day and have just arrived back at our B&B. We had hoped to walk in the fields but it is drizzling now. Instead, Merrilyn and James have gone to seek out the animals. Tonight we sample another local pub which, we hear, has a good reputation for local produce.

Photos are here.