The North Corona

The cylindrical Corona at the East End of Canterbury Cathedral is a unique structure. Originally built in the thirteenth century to house the Cathedral’s most precious relic, the crown of Becket’s skull, it now houses The Chapel of Saints and Martyrs of our Time above a vaulted undercroft. The stonework was very badly decayed, and the conservation of the south side was the first project undertaken as part of the current programme. The project was completed on time and within budget, and the new stonework gleams, whether in the sun by day, or floodlit at night. The Cathedral’s masons are now working to conserve the north side of the Corona, a project with a total cost of over £1m. The medieval masons never completed the eight pinnacles which were meant to crown the building. These are now being put in place, and, with their new gargoyles, can be sponsored for £50,000 each. The quality of the conserved stone-work has won an Award.