The stonemasons of Canterbury have always played a vital role not only in building the Cathedral, but ensuring that its great walls stand the test of time.

Today, each new stone for the Cathedral is still carved by hand, using the same traditional tools and techniques as in medieval times, by one of our 17 stonemasons. The contemporary masons are expert in all aspects of their craft, including the care and conservation of the ancient fabric.

Among the team are young apprentices who learn about modern, mechanised methods of masonry, but all begin their training by working stone in a traditional manner, using hand tools, giving them a far greater understanding and appreciation of the effort and skill used by medieval Cathedral builders.

Canterbury is one of eight English cathedrals to have formed the Cathedral Workshops' Fellowship, an organisation aiming to promote quality and depth in craft training and establish those cathedrals as centres of excellence in the field.

How you can help

The Canterbury Gift is pleased to offer you an opportunity to invest in the future of Canterbury Cathedral and its craftsmen and women by sponsoring one of the stones being carved by our stonemasons.

Whether you choose to sponsor a stone for yourself, an organisation, as a gift for a loved one or to remember someone special it is a wonderful opportunity to make a tangible difference to the future of Canterbury Cathedral.

How it works

There are two different stones that you can sponsor. So you'll have to choose between a pale walling stone from France which is widely used throughout the Cathedral, or a more specialist carved stone which is used decoratively around the building. A walling stone costs £60 to sponsor while the decorative stones are £300 each.

Payment is easy. You can pay in one lump sum or in installments over a minimum of 12 months - from just £5 a month. Just print off our Sponsor a Stone Order Form order form and sponsor a stone today.