Wow, what a building, both in structure and history. For the quick rundown on the Canterbury Cathedral, Wikipedia says…

Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, Kent, is one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England. It is the cathedral of the Archbishop of Canterbury, leader of the Church of England and symbolic leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Founded in 597, the cathedral was completely rebuilt 1070-77. The east end was greatly enlarged at the beginning of the twelfth century, and largely rebuilt in the Gothic style following a fire in 1174. The Norman nave and transepts survived until the late fourteenth century, when they were demolished to make way for the present structures.

The most famous era of its history revolves around the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170 by knights of King Henry II. The king had frequent conflicts with the strong-willed Becket and is said to have exclaimed in frustration, “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” The knights took it literally and murdered Becket in his own cathedral. His shrine was thought to be a place of healing and pilgrams from all over Europe came for prayer and healing.