St. Dunstan's, Canterbury

St Dunstan’s is an Anglican church in Canterbury at the junction of London Road and Whitstable Road. It stands on the left bank of the River Stour and gives its name to the surrounding district. The church dates from the 11th century and is a Grade I listed building. In 1878–80 it was restored by the architect Ewan Christian. The church is linked to the deaths of Thomas Becket and Thomas More, which draws pilgrims to the site. The church’s namesake, St Dunstan, served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 960 to 978 and was canonised soon after his death. Thomas Becket’s penitential pilgrimage began at St Dunstan’s in 1174 when Henry II changed into sackcloth there. Thomas More’s head was brought to the Roper family vault beneath the Nicholas Chapel after his execution. The vault is sealed and marked by a large stone slab to the left of the chapel altar. Inside, three stained glass windows line the Nicholas Chapel. The window behind the altar shows key events in St Dunstan’s life. Another window commemorates Pope John Paul II’s visit to Canterbury in 1982. The church has six bells, the oldest cast in 1325 by William le Belyetere. They are rung on Friday evenings for practice and Sunday mornings for services by the local change-ringing society.