Title:

The Buttermarket Canterbury

Price:

£50.00

Overview

The Buttermarket is a historic, cobbled square in the centre of Canterbury, situated immediately in front of the ornate Christ Church Gate entrance to Canterbury Cathedral. As one of the city's main landmarks, it acts as a central hub for tourism and local activity. Lined with a mix of historic architecture, independent shops, pubs, and cafes, it serves as a primary meeting spot and a perfect starting point for visitors wishing to explore the cathedral grounds and the surrounding medieval streets of the city. The area's history spans over 800 years, but its past was starkly different from its present charm. Originally, the site was known grimly as the Bull Stake where, up until the mid-17th century, the cruel spectacle of bull-baiting took place. The transformation began when John Somner built a formal market hall in 1664, providing a dedicated space for local vendors to sell butter, poultry, and fish. It was only after this development that the name "Buttermarket" became commonly used, marking a shift from a place of brutality to one of commerce. Physical market structures were eventually cleared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to create the open square seen today. The present focal point is the solemn Canterbury War Memorial, unveiled in 1921. While the market halls are gone, the square remains a vibrant commercial and social centre, its deep history potentially hiding Roman remains beneath the surface. You can find out more about the square’s archaeological history on the Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society website.

Tags:

Ancient, Historical, Town, Town Squares, South East, Kent, England, Locations

Creator (Verified):

@Merlin-Capture