Introduction

Canterbury, one of England’s most historic cities, played a pivotal role in Anglo-Saxon Christianity in Kent. As the site where St. Augustine established his mission in 597 AD, Canterbury became the spiritual heart of early medieval England.

The Arrival of Christianity

Sent by Pope Gregory the Great, St. Augustine converted King Æthelberht of Kent, laying the foundation for Canterbury as the center of English Christianity. The establishment of Canterbury Cathedral and St. Augustine’s Abbey solidified its importance.

Key Anglo-Saxon Sites in Canterbury

• Canterbury Cathedral – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, built upon its Anglo-Saxon predecessor.
• St. Augustine’s Abbey – The burial site of early Anglo-Saxon kings and archbishops.
• Anglo-Saxon Artifacts – Exhibits at the Canterbury Roman Museum offer insight into early medieval life.

Conclusion

Canterbury remains one of the most historically significant Anglo-Saxon sites in Kent, providing a window into the Christianization of England.