It’s safe to say Canterbury never got over the murder of Thomas
Becket. Residents in denial may argue against that claim, but here’s easy proof: the
murder occurred, and Becket was subsequently buried and sainted because everyone thought
he was responsible for the mass miraculous healings that were occurring. For this reason,
masses of people began making pilgrimages to Canterbury, so he’s probably the main reason
the cathedral is so famous. While many claim The Canterbury Tales by William
Chaucer as an independent claim to fame, the entire book is comprised of stories
told by pilgrims...on a pilgrimage to Becket’s tomb. Suffice it to say he had an impact.
Now, the town is part tourist trap, part quaint, south England town. The center of the
city is closed off to cars, making for a pleasant walking experience down cobbled lanes.
Watch out for those irregular stone areas, though—they look about as harmless as burning
sand, and you’ll look as ridiculous walking over them.