Canterbury Cathedral is proud to present its third Conservation and Collections Conference, ‘Thomas Becket: Life, Death and Legacy’

A special Evensong service commemorating the Martyrdom of Archbishop Thomas Becket on this day in 1170, with procession to the Martyrdom and Crypt.

Discover some of the Cathedral’s many secrets and treasures through a creative and interactive exploration of the architecture, historic collections, spaces and gardens.

Investigate what life was like in Medieval Canterbury through a range of learning activities including a fun, interactive workshop facilitated by our staff, examining artefacts including medieval pilgrim badges and exploring how Canterbury became a popular tourist destination; or take part in one of our teacher led object handling or creative activities. Key stage 2 and 3, intermediate and advanced ESOL students.

Investigate what life was like in Medieval Canterbury through a range of teacher led learning medieval themed activities including examining artefacts and make your own pilgrims badge!

Canterbury’s fifth annual Medieval Pageant and Trail will commemorate Henry II’s pilgrimage to Canterbury in 1174.

Commemorating Henry ll’s pilgrimage to Canterbury and astonishing public apology in 1174 a colourful parade features historical characters, local schools and community and re-enactment groups, giants, music and medieval mayhem. It is followed by a free afternoon family trail with medieval activities taking place in historic venues throughout the city. Suitable for all ages - even middle ages!

Focusing on mental and physical health and wellbeing, The Beaney will present a major community creative project in the context of Becket's story and Canterbury pilgrimage.

Our History weekends are proving to be a great success. Each event presents popular historians you’ll know from their books and TV appearances such as David Starkey, Helen Castor, Dan Jones and Janina Ramirez. Our guided visits let you explore the remnants and traces of the ancient city of Canterbury with local experts like Professor Paul Bennett, MBE. Plus there’s a chance to hear from eminent scholars from CCCU and beyond as they present their most recent academic research. Read more at https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/arts-and-humanities/research-kent-history-and-archaeology/history-weekends/history-weekends.aspx

The Museum of London will use some of its pilgrim badges to illustrate St Thomas Becket’s extraordinary life and his connections to the capital. Visitors will be encouraged to undertake their own mini-pilgrimage through the museum’s Medieval London Gallery.

Exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library followed by Afternoon Tea in the Cathedral Lodge.

‘St Thomas has adorned … London by his rising and Canterbury by his setting’

Lecture by Professor David Carpenter, Professor of Medieval History (King’s College London)

Take the rare opportunity to hear an English-language concert performance of Pizzetti's opera based on TS Eliot’s play.

Annual Thomas Becket Lecture organised by Canterbury Christ Church University in collaboration with Canterbury Cathedral.

From April to October 2020 Canterbury Cathedral's Eastern Crypt will be set aside as a dedicated Pilgrimage Chapel for Becket 2020.

A one-day conference at Canterbury Christ Church University in partnership with Canterbury Cathedral Archives and Library.

Becket 2020 will be commemorated at Canterbury Cathedral's 'Night of the Cathedral' event.

As part of a three-week long exhibition, Dr Sarah James (Senior Lecturer in Medieval Literature at the University of Kent) will deliver a lecture on The Cult of Saints.

A Sandwich to Canterbury pilgrimage relay walk (led by parishes between Sandwich and Canterbury).

William Urry Lecture for the Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society.

The Friends of Hereford Cathedral will complete a pilgrimage to Canterbury.

The annual education day hosted by the Canterbury Tales Attraction with local partners.

Sandwich Guildhall Museum exhibition on pilgrimage.

This year Canterbury Cathedral's Heritage Open Days will have a Becket theme for Becket 2020.

Canterbury Cathedral's annual members-only 'Friends Day' will have a Becket theme for 2020.

Joint Evensong with the Diocese of Portsmouth.

Marking the 850th anniversary of this dramatic crime, this major exhibition will present Becket's tumultuous journey from a London merchant's son to Archbishop, and from a revered saint in death to a 'traitor' in the eyes of Henry VIII, over 350 years later.

During Evensong Canterbury Cathedral's new Copes will be blessed, before they are used at the upcoming major Becket 2020 services.

A major joint production by The Marlowe Theatre and Canterbury Cathedral of T.S Eliot's play 'Murder in the Cathedral.

Canterbury Cathedral's half-term activities will centre around Becket for The Big Draw 2020.

Special service in Sandwich preceded by a candlelit procession and the unveiling of a permanent memorial to mark the Becket 2020 anniversaries.

Screening of the classic film 1964 film 'Becket' at The Empire Cinema in Sandwich.

An evening screening of the 1964 film, 'Becket'.

Michelle Rumney’s artwork includes wax candles each as tall as the person they represent, including one for Thomas Becket (183cm) and another for Marion Marples (173cm) who led many pilgrimages from Southwark.

Join us this evening and view artist Michelle Rumney's amazing artwork 'Pilgrimage' which is on display throughout Lent. Michelle will be on-hand throughout the evening to talk to visitors about this incredible artwork.

Leigh Hatts, author of Cicerone's Press Walking the Pilgrims' Way will detail the Pilgrims' Way, the historic pilgrimage route to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, home of the shrine of the martyred archbishop, St Thomas Becket from London's Southwark Cathedral (90¼ miles).

Southwark Cathedral in association with The Friends of Southwark Cathedral are delighted to screen Paramount Pictures 1964 picture Becket by candlelight.

Organised by The Friends of Southwark Cathedral and joined by the Dean, the Very Revd Andrew Nunn, this pilgrimage will take the route of the pilgrims from Southwark to Canterbury.

Senior Curator, Hazel Forsyth, will talk about the new display of fascinating medieval pilgrim badges to commemorate 850th anniversary of the death of Thomas Becket.

A talk by the Dean of Hereford in Hereford Cathedral.

In 2020, Canterbury Christ Church University will present the city’s hugely popular biennial Medieval History Weekend, supported by Canterbury Cathedral and by the Canterbury Archaeological Trust.

Day of Prayer and Pilgrimage at Canterbury Cathedral.

The King's School will include Becket themed events in their end of year King's Week celebrations.