Canterbury in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Crypt
St Augustine's Abbey
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 29, 2025
1. The Crypt Marker
The Normans did not believe the original Anglo-Saxon churches were worthy enough to house the sacred remains of the saints at the monastery, including those of St Augustine himself. In 1071 Abbot Scolland got the Pope's support to destroy the Anglo-Saxon churches and replace them with a great new church in the Romanesque style. This crypt was the first part of the new Norman church to be completed, in 1091. It was built on the site of the Anglo-Saxon church of St Mary.
The Normans held a special ceremony to move the bones of the saints. known as a translation. They were moved from their original tombs in the Anglo-Saxon churches and placed in new ornate caskets called shrines. These shrines were situated behind the high altar of the new church, in the area known as the presbytery, above this crypt. People came from all over England on pilgrimage to worship at them.
Erected by English Heritage. (Marker Number 4.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1071 CE.
Location. 51° 16.686′ N, 1° 5.304′
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is in the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Wulfric's Rotunda (here, next to this marker); A Centre of Learning (a few steps from this marker); Tombs of kings and archbishops (a few steps from this marker); Abandonment and Ruin (within shouting distance of this marker); The End of the Abbey (within shouting distance of this marker); Reuse and Rediscovery (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to St Augustine's Abbey (within shouting distance of this marker); The Great Norman Church (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Canterbury.
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 29, 2025
2. St Augustine's Abbey Ruins
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 92 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 20, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
