Saint Augustines Abbey
Originally built on the grounds of three anglo-saxon churches, the abbey has undergone several changes during the centuries.
Around 1100 the church was remodeled with an apse like french cathedrals often have them.In the thirteenth century the cloister, the lavatorium, the frater and the kitchen were completely rebuilt and the range was extended to a great hall.
In 1382 St Augustines Abbey was shaken by an earthquake. This forced the church to construct additional building works with the result of a gatehouse extension in 1390. The most recent addition was the Lady Chapel to the east of the church.
Around 1500 the abbey already used up a large area of space and the library would contain around 2000 volumes, an enormous collection of knowledge for the time.
During the reign of Henry VIII in the 1530s, a cost saving plan was established for all monasteries in England and by 1538 the abbey was closed down because it could not fulfill the minimum income Henry VIII had demanded.
As part of the Canterbury Cathedral complex, Saint Augustine's Abbey can be counted as one of the most visited ecclesiastical buldings in Britain.
Opening Hours:
| Dates |
Opening Times |
Opening Days |
| 21 Mar - 30 Jun |
10am - 5pm |
Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun, & Bank Holidays |
| 1 Jul - 31 Aug |
10am - 6pm |
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun |
| 1 Sep - 31 Mar |
11am - 5pm |
Sat, & Sun |
| Open Bank Holiday Mondays |
||
| Closed 24 - 26 Dec and 1 Jan | ||
Entrance Fees:
Adult: £4.20; Children: £2.10; Concession: £3.40; English Heritage Members: Free; Other: Family Ticket: £10.50
More Visitor Information
