The main purpose of the visit was to watch cricket, Kent v Hampshire, in which my team Kent suffered a heavy defeat. I stayed in a B&B in the street called Wincheap. That’s a name the origins of which are lost in the mists of time, although the old English word ‘cheap’ means ‘a market’ so it’s highly likely some kind of market would have been held there, On the street are two of Canterbury’s oldest inns, dating back to the 15th Century.
Below the King’s Head, established in 1410 and noted as Canterbury’s oldest inn.
The Maiden’s Head is a little younger, dating from 1446.
There would undoubtedly have been many more until recent times. When the city gates were closed at night, travellers would be obliged to seek lodging in these inns until the gates opened in the morning. Similar inns can be found on the other roads leading into the city.
Wincheap also has many other old buildings still standing. These are just a few.
In contrast, Canterbury East railway station is very youthful, having been opened in 1860. The building is mostly the original. The station has around 1 million passengers each year.
Nearby and once more originally built in Roman times and rebuilt during the 14th century is a long section of the city wall with one of the watchtowers.
Traditional market stalls with colourful displays of locally grown fruit and vegetables can still be found in the city centre.
And finally scenes during the ‘half time’ interval on the cricket match. By that time it was starting to turn very cold, not like the weather we have enjoyed since!
