The Cathedral Church of Canterbury [2nd ed.] / A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Archiepiscopal See

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22832

Title

The Cathedral Church of Canterbury [2nd ed.] / A Description of Its Fabric and a Brief History of the Archiepiscopal See

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This scholarly guide offers an accurate, well-illustrated overview of Canterbury Cathedral, blending architectural history with the epic narrative of the Archiepiscopal See. Designed for both students and tourists, it balances deep archaeological insight with accessible language, making the cathedral's complex evolution and spiritual legacy vividly clear.

Summary up to 500 words

Hartley Withers presents a comprehensive history of Canterbury Cathedral, tracing its evolution from a British church attributed to King Lucius to the magnificent structure completed in the fifteenth century. The text details the destruction of the Saxon church by fire and Danish raids, followed by Archbishop Lanfranc's reconstruction in 1070. Subsequent chapters explore the contributions of Ernulf and Conrad, the fire of 1174, and the rebuilding under William of Sens and English William. Withers provides a meticulous account of the building's fabric, including the Norman nave, the Decorated windows of St. Anselm's Chapel, and the shrine of St. Thomas à Becket. The work also chronicles the history of the See, listing archbishops from Lanfranc through Frederick Temple, highlighting their roles in major ecclesiastical and political events, such as the martyrdom of Becket, the Reformation, and the Civil War. Rich in detail regarding specific monuments, tombs, and artistic features, this volume serves as an essential resource for understanding the cathedral's physical and spiritual significance. The narrative covers the transition from the Saxon basilica to Lanfranc's new church, noting how the east end was later rebuilt by Ernulf and Conrad to create a more splendid choir. The text describes the tragic fire of 1174 that destroyed Conrad's choir, necessitating a major reconstruction that blended Norman and Gothic styles. Withers examines specific architectural elements, such as the intricate mosaics in Trinity Chapel and the elaborate five-light window in St. Anselm's Chapel, detailing their historical costs and artistic merit. The historical survey of the Archiepiscopal See lists numerous prelates, from the reforming Lanfranc to the controversial William Laud, whose persecution of Puritans contributed to the Civil War. The book concludes with later figures like Edward White Benson and Frederick Temple, documenting their contributions to the church and noting that Benson became the first archbishop buried in the cathedral since the Reformation. Through its blend of architectural description and ecclesiastical biography, the work offers a profound insight into the enduring legacy of Canterbury.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• History
• Travel