European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 20, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Waited k \ to g d o m a a a .1 Canterbury tales join the pilgrimage to the Middle Ages a modern sword sculpture Points to the spot where Thomas a Becket was murdered. By Dave Didio staff photographer when knights Loyal to King Henry ii murdered the archbishop of Canterbury in 11 70, to deliver the King from this turbulent priest the King had no idea the infamous act would propel Thomas a Bee Ket to sainthood and an eternal life for decades after thousands of pilgrims travelled from London to Canterbury Cathedral to pay homage at the shrine of St Thomas a Becket prompting Geoffrey Chaucer to write the Canterbury tales a colourful 14th Century Saga of medieval England and life along the Canterbury Road today a modern sculpture of swords hangs Over the spot in the Cathedral where Becket was killed and 800 years later the pilgrims Are still coming albeit with shopping bags Blue jeans and cameras modern Day pilgrims however come for More than a glimpse of the spot where Becket met his destiny although the impressive Cathedral overshadows the Village Canterbury Belf is a carefully preserved example of medieval architecture much of its Beauty hidden behind an ancient roman and medieval Wall this is certainly,.a town made for walkers with most of the town Center reserved for pedestrians. Adequate Long and Short term parking is sprinkled around the Edge of the town and a few outlying car Parks offers Park and ride service to the town Cente visitors can go up an Access ramp in the Southwest part of town and walk along the top of the ancient Wall for about half its distance passing restored 14th-Century bastions along the Way. Although Trees and nearby buildings obscure the View somewhat you can still see portions of old half Timber structures peeking out Here and there. People wishing for a taste of medieval life might drop into Canterbury tales museum on St. Margaret s Street. It has an exhibit which brings Chaucer s verse to life with moving sets Wax figures and costumed personnel and its "45-minute tour gives visitors a pretty Good feel for English life in Chaucer s time. When it s time for lunch try out Flap Jacques on Castle Street. This rustic Bare Bones student Type. Restaurant serves up a fabulous Range of filled crepes and Brittany Gai ties where two people can eat for less than 10 pounds about $15. The crepes just hit the spot at midday and vegetarians will have no trouble conjuring up their own combination of fillings for the tasty Little pancakes. Canterbury is a town the entire family can enjoy with. An abundance of eateries museums historical sights Street vendors and minstrels and fascinating Little shops wrapped in a setting that will carry you Back to the Middle Ages. Bring plenty of film or videotape for the camera and make your first Stop the tourist information Center on St. Margaret s Street for a free map. You can strike out on your own or take one of the official guided Tours offered throughout the Day. Either Way once you be visited the Middle Ages you might not want to return to the present. Is photos by Dave Didio i Relief sculptures adorn Christ Church Gate left. Modern Day minstrels entertain passers by above. Concerts Are being held inside Canterbury Cathedral during the City s annual festival above. The old Weaver House sits on the Banks of the River Sioux right. Travellers tips special events the annual Canterbury festival ends saturday with a grand finale. A massive concert will take place in the Nave of the Canterbury Cathedral with performances by the Canterbury philharmonic an choral society. The National opera will afro age a Friday night performance of Samson and be .7. There Are More than 200 events to , from arts and crafts exhibitions to children s Pius. Ror Advance tickets Contact the festival Box Tonu ,1.0227/455-600. Z How to get there about an hour s Dre Southeast of London on m-2 Motorway. Tourist information 34 St. Margaret s St. Telephone 0227/766567. Canterbury tales museum St. Margaret s Street. Admission for adults is 4 pounds ahout_$6 children 2 pounds 75 Pence $4.25 Canterbury Cathedral admission is free but visitors routinely offer a Small donation usually around 2 pounds $3. Dave Didio 12 stripes Magazine october 20, 1994 october 20, 7994 stripes neg