A snapshot of life at Canterbury Cathedral in the first part of 2010 reveals an enormous diversity of activity.

Thousands of visitors and pilgrims braved the cold and the snow to come and be inspired by one of the greatest works of architecture in Europe. Many groups of school children and students came to learn about Canterbury’s place in history. Most were looked after by some of the Cathedral’s army of unpaid volunteers.

In the International Study Centre, around two dozen new Bishops from many Provinces of the Anglican Communion were meeting to share their wide experience - sometimes in very troubled parts of the world - and prepare for the next stage of their ministry.

In the Cathedral itself, in addition to the daily round of worship and prayer, the new Bishop of Dover was consecrated in an ecumenical service not only reflecting the diversity of the Christian Church in Kent, but also involving others such as representatives of the Muslim Faith. Among many other events, usually several every day, the Cathedral celebrated the 125th Birthday of Kent College, and Canterbury Choral Society gave one of their three annual Concerts.

Meanwhile, below ground, skeletons of Anglo-Saxon Christians were found next to the South West Transept.

A team of archaeologists has been working alongside the Cathedral’s Surveyor to try and understand why the stonework of Great South Window started to crack and show other signs of decay. One possibility is that the fourteenth century builders placed their new transept on Norman foundations – which may not be up to the job of supporting the Transept’s immense weight.

Digging down to the bottom of the foundations, members of The Canterbury Archaeological Trust found layer upon layer of burials – all aligned east-west and so almost certainly Christian. The human remains will be examined before being carefully reburied – in their original locations.

Elsewhere at the Cathedral, stone masons and other craftsmen are at work on the Howley Library with its priceless collection of books and manuscripts. The task is nearing completion – on schedule. The project was generously funded by donations, and major grants from The Wolfson Trust and The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral. At the East End of the Cathedral, the scaffolding has now been removed from the south side of the Corona revealing the magnificently conserved stonework. The north side of the Corona comes next.

This small snapshot reflects the national and international status of Canterbury and, above all, of the great Cathedral at its heart - part of a World Heritage Site. This timeless and inspiring inheritance stands at the heart of the worldwide Anglican Communion. It is a place of pilgrimage which each year gives renewed purpose to hundreds of thousands of people of every faith and denomination. It is also seen as special by many people of no faith at all. The regularity and rhythm give the creative community the security that creates the daily theatre of worship and all the world class creativity in music, architecture and the decorative arts.

Canterbury is a great gift to the world – and one that we must pass on so future generations can benefit as we have ourselves. So while we shall continue to work hard in Kent, we shall be increasingly campaigning nationally and internationally to raise the resources Canterbury needs to secure its future. Our new approach – The Canterbury Gift – reflects all this. Moreover, I am delighted to say that thanks to the great “in kind” generosity of advisers and supporters the idea has been developed at very little extra cost to us.

Click here to download a new poster which summarises the conservation and development projects – just right for a church, village or school notice board!

Recognising your support is very important to us. As part of The Canterbury Gift, the names of those who give more than £1,000 will be recorded in a special book which will be kept in the Cathedral for ever.

An excellent way of being involved The Canterbury Gift is through our events. On Friday 16 April, multi-million selling author Ken Follett is reading from his novel about the building of a medieval cathedral, “Pillars of the Earth” and taking questions. Then, the following day, a very special Concert will recreate the Gospel Music of the American Deep South that inspired Elvis Presley. So join us and Elvis fans from around the country for “Elvis in the Cathedral” on Saturday April 17! If you are interested in buying tickets for either of these events, click here to download an Event Booking Form.