Physical & Spiritual: Pathways of St Martin's Church
St Martin's Church, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU
St Martin’s is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with Canterbury Cathedral and St Augustine's Abbey, and a route for pilgrimages. Visitors often remark that they feel transported by the ancient history of the church and can immerse themselves in a place that is home to over 1400 years' worth of stories, connecting the past to the present. It is a network of hundreds of historic connections and an epicentre for pathways, both the physical and the spiritual.
The Heritage Open Days event this year is in connection with the event last year; medieval musician Gareth Balch, medieval musician, and Kirstie Atkin Craske, visual artist/painter. Both artists performed together for the first time last year and found they were inspired by the rich history and atmosphere of this sacred site.
Kirstie and Gareth also found interactions with audiences last year inspiring and have planned this year’s event in response. One comment was that the art and music worked in harmony with the heritage site. Some visitors welcomed opportunities for peaceful solitude, whilst others were keen to connect with the artists and others. Therefore, the aim of this event is to create a semi-structured opportunity for people to connect with St Martin’s and for Gareth and Kirstie to take visitors on a journey, opening opportunities for contemplation and reflection.
There will be music and group talks at specified times, live painting, and an exhibition of artwork for all to enjoy.
Timings & Tours
- Wednesday 11 September:
- 11:00-15:00 *music - vihuela & citole 13:00-13:30
- Thursday 12 September:
- 11:00-15:00 *music - lute 13:00-13:30
- Friday 13 September:
- 11:00-15:00 *music - guitar 13:00-13:30
- Saturday 14 September:
- 11:00-15:00 *music - vihuela & guitar 13:00-13:30
- Sunday 15 September:
- 11:00-15:00
Location & directions
St Martin's Church, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU
- Directions:
- Just a short walk off St Augustine's Abbey and Canterbury Christ Church University campus.
- Contact on day:
- Jessica Morris
- Telephone number:
- +447486068061
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
St Martin’s, due to its age, is not particularly accessible. Access is up several steps in the graveyard as well as several steps inside the building. Unfortunately, there are no facilities of any kind within the grounds. Dogs (assistance and other well-trained dogs) are welcome within some sections of the church. St Martin’s Church is a working church. On Thursdays at midday a 20-minute service is often held. All visitors are welcome to join this, but minor disruptions may occur on the 12th of September to allow this to still take place (details shared closer to the time).
Additional information
The church/grounds will be open on the days/times stated; live painting and art courtesy of Kirstie will be displayed. *Gareth's live music events are from 13:00-13:30 every day (apart from Sunday) when Kirstie and Gareth will be available for any questions from 13:30-14:00.
