Charlie Fenton’s Reviews > Thomas Becket: murder and the making of a saint > Status Update

‘In buying a souvenir the pilgrims captured and transmitted some of the special power of a holy site back into their own communities. Souvenirs were not simply ‘tourist tat’ and they were seen by some as relics in their own right. They often feature in miracle stories and have the power to heal and protect.’

‘Canterbury Cathedral’s east end was the most prestigious example of early gothic architecture in England. Its impact and influence can be felt across many of the large/scale architectural projects built in the century following its completion. These include nearby great churches, such as Rochester Cathedral, but also ones located further afield: Chichester Cathedral, Salisbury Cathedral, Lincoln Cathedral’

‘As London’s prosperity grew, so did its population. Estimates suggest that from 1100 to 1200 the number of inhabitants roughly doubled from possibly around 20,000 to over 40,000, making it one of the largest cities in western Europe. With this influx came a demand for space, resulting in the building of new roads and houses and pushing the limits of the city further north.’