Changes

The town would prosper with its ecclesiastical importance. Centuries before the cathedral became one of the most important places of pilgrimage after the murder of [[Thomas Becket]] in 1170, the pre-eminence of such men as [[St. Dunstan]] in the 10th century, [[St. Anselm]]  (d.1109) and others brought patronage to the town.

The town would prosper with its ecclesiastical importance. Centuries before the cathedral became one of the most important places of pilgrimage after the murder of [[Thomas Becket]] in 1170, the pre-eminence of such men as [[St. Dunstan]] in the 10th century, [[St. Anselm]]  (d.1109) and others brought patronage to the town.

Construction of the present Canterbury Cathedral  began in 1070. Parts were rebuilt after a fire in 1174 with the reconstruction focused on the “pilgrim trade”.  The town suffered relatively little from [[Henry VIII]]'s during the Reformation, then continued to grow as the centre of the Anglican communion.

Construction of the present Canterbury Cathedral  began in 1070. Parts were rebuilt after a fire in 1174 with the reconstruction focused on the “pilgrim trade”.  The town suffered relatively little from [[Henry VIII]]'s [[Dissolution of the Monasteries]] during the Reformation, then continued to grow as the centre of the Anglican communion.

The ancient centre of the town was extensively damaged by bombing during [[World War II]] but enough remains for it to warrant the constant stream of visitors it receives.   

The ancient centre of the town was extensively damaged by bombing during [[World War II]] but enough remains for it to warrant the constant stream of visitors it receives.