Canterbury and Rye

This morning, we went into Canterbury. I am really sorry that we didn't have more time to spend here, as it looks like a really lovely town. A real regret is that we didn't have time to look at the library (I know it's a temporary library, but I would have liked to have seen it). Unfortunately, the one-way system on the way out of Maidstone added quite a bit of unscheduled time to the morning, and we simply ran out of time today.

We left the car at a Park and Ride, and got a bus right into the centre of the town, and then walked through some of the streets for a little while.

Our main objective in Canterbury had been to see the Cathedral, and this did not disappoint. I had seen some photos on Flickr recently which showed how the restoration work is cleaning up the old stonework, and this work was evident as we approached the Cathedral.
I was interested to see Canterbury not just because of its age, but also for the story of Thomas A'Beckett of course.

We left Canterbury at about 2, and drove to Rye. More Malcolm Saville country here! We are staying at the famous Mermaid Inn, which was rebuilt in 1420 after the original twelfth century building was destroyed by fire. Elizabeth I stayed here. It's a truly marvellous building. My room overlooks Mermaid Street - I've put a couple of photos on Flickr. Funny to be sitting here in such an old room, using wi-fi!!

We had a lovely walk here this afternoon, around the old, cobbled streets. We went up to the tenth century church, which has a clock tower above the North door. Each quarter hour, the "quarter boys" strike the bell. I climbed the clock tower (braving ladders and a trap door) and was rewarded with a marvellous view over Rye and the surrounding area.
The walk back took us down Traders' Passage and back to Mermaid Street.

So - another great day. Apologies again to Canterbury Library.........maybe next time!!