How the Friends started
The Friends of Canterbury Cathedral was founded in 1927 by the distinguished scholar and poet Dean George Allen Kennedy Bell.
The organisation was the first of its kind in the world.
In 1928 Miss Margaret Babington joined him as Steward to The Friends. A redoubtable woman of enormous energy and tremendous vision, she made a huge contribution to the success of the Friends.
She staged plays and concerts and enticed illustrious people such as John Masefield, Sir Adrian Boult, Gustav Holst and Dame Myra Hess to the Cathedral.
Rudyard Kipling and George Bernard Shaw became enthusiastic members.
Margaret Babington handed over her baton to many other stewards and executive secretaries, all of whom have put their own stamp on the efforts of the Friends, and made membership appealing, important and active – and the successful charity it is today.
Projects
The Friends have given millions of pounds towards many projects to help support the buildings, ornaments, furnishings and the life of the Cathedral.
These have included:
- re-paving the Nave floor
- the restoration of the Oculus Window (pic)
- lighting for the Quire,
- repairs to Bell Harry Tower and
- donations to The Choristers Fund and the International Study Centre
Benefits for members
Membership of The Friends entitles you to:
- free entry to the Cathedral and its precincts
- 10% discount at the Cathedral Shop (except for books and videos)
- spring and autumn mailings including The Chronicle, our annual publication about the life and history of the Cathedral
- our exciting Programme of Social Events including Friends Day, the Christmas Party and an annual holiday
- Free guided tour (subject to availability, so check with Friends Office for times)
You will also meet and make friends with people with similar interests, and a commitment to preserving one of the most beautiful and important ancient buildings in the world.