Canterbury in Kent, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Abandonment and Ruin
St Augustine's Abbey
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 29, 2025
1. Abandonment and Ruin Marker
The palace built here by Henry VIII was used by a noble family, the Wottons, until the death of Lady Wotton in 1659. Under their heirs, the Hales family, it was abandoned.
On 8 September 1692, an earthquake shook the city of Canterbury. Part of the Ethelbert Tower, which had originally stood at the north-west corner of the abbey church, collapsed and destroyed much of the former palace. The rest of the abbey buildings sank into decay, becoming romantic ruins that artists came to draw and paint.
During the 18th century, the buildings were put to many different uses including a pub and a brewery. A new hospital (1793) and a county prison (1808) were built on the south side of the site.
By the mid-19th century, the significance of the site to the history of Christianity in England had almost been forgotten.
Erected by English Heritage. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is September 8, 1692.
Location. 51° 16.662′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Greater South East. Globally, it is on 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: Reuse and Rediscovery (a few steps from this marker); The End of the Abbey (a few steps from this marker); The Crypt (within shouting distance of this marker); Wulfric's Rotunda (within shouting distance of this marker); Thomas Fyndon (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to St Augustine's Abbey (within shouting distance of this marker); St Augustine of Canterbury (within shouting distance of this marker); Tombs of kings and archbishops (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, March 29, 2025
2. St Augustine's Abbey Ruins
Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 90 times since then and 7 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.
