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For over a thousand years, Canterbury Cathedral has been a place of significant pilgrimage. Pilgrims have journeyed to Canterbury along numerous pilgrim paths which crisscross the Weald and Down as they head east. Today 20 of St Augustine Academy’s students made the journey from Maidstone East Station. They got a glimpse of the Cathedral from the train. They then entered the Cathedral city through the West Gate and walked up the cobbled streets, past Chaucer’s statue, and down the narrow lane to the Cathedral Gate which has recently been restored. Students entered the Cathedral and looked up at the marvellous ceiling. They got to see tombs of Arch Bishop’s past, wander through the stunning Cloisters, stop at the site Thomas Becket was slain and take a little break. Students then entered the crypt, where they got the opportunity to light a candle, or ask for a prayer to be said. They discovered a hidden side chapel where the oldest Christian pictures in the country are painted on the walls and ceilings.  

After we exited (through the gift shop of course), lunch and Costa was had. Students had the opportunity to explore a small part of Canterbury and do some shopping. We then wearily trudged back to the train station in the rain, but nobody complained. We also met an ex-student on the platform who was really pleased to see us. It was a lovely day despite the weather, students were brilliant. A massive thank you to Mrs Lambert for coming with us, and a special mention to Ms Osborn and Mrs Bayford for sorting out the wisepay and train tickets for the trip.