Exploring Kent's Past

It should not be assumed that this site is publicly accessible and it may be on private property. Do not trespass.

Monument details

Summary

The southern area of the Priory Precincts wall was built by the early 12th century, perhaps replacing Lanfranc's earlier boundary wall.

Monument Types

• WALL (C12, Undated)

Full description

If you do not understand anything on this page please contact us.

The southern area of the Priory Precincts wall was built by the early 12th century, perhaps replacing Lanfranc's earlier boundary wall. This section of the Priory Precinct wall runs from the Cemetery gate (later Christchurch Gate) to the south-east, along the southern boundary of the site to the north of properties in Burgate Street, in an easterly direction enclosing the Lay Cemetery, past the Campanile where it turns north for a short run before turning east again to enclose the Monk's Cemetery as far as the Convent Garden, where iot turns north and runs to and under the later Meister Omer's complex and Hall. In c. 1180 the southern area of the Precincts were extended southwards incorporating an earlier lane (now lost) and shops lining the lane, to the rear of the properties fronting Burgate Street.

Much of the wall was demolished after the Dissolution.

Willis, R., 1868, 'The Architectural History of the Conventual Buildings of the Monastery of Christchurch in Canterbury' (Article in serial). SKE30206.

Driver, J. C., Rady, J., Sparks, M., 1990, Excavations in the Cathedral Precincts, 2 Linacre Garden, 'Meister Omers' and St Gabriel's Chapel. (Monograph). SKE29781.

Blockley, K., Sparks, M. & Tatton-Brown, T., 1997, Canterbury Cathedral Nave, Archaeology, History and Architecture (Monograph). SKE29723.

Sources and further reading