Holy Cross Church, Canterbury

Once a place of worship and now the ceremonial heart of Canterbury’s civic life, the Holy Cross Church stands just off Saint Peter’s Place, offering visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s layered history. Originally commissioned by Archbishop Simon Sudbury before he died in 1381, the church formed part of Saint Gregory's Priory and features a traditional medieval layout with a nave, chancel, aisles, and a square tower facing the River Stour. Though deconsecrated in 1972, the structure retains its ecclesiastical charm and has since found renewed purpose.

In 1978, following a careful conversion by Canterbury City Council, the former church was officially reopened as the city’s new Guildhall by the Prince of Wales. It replaced the old Guildhall on the High Street, a historic building dating back to 1180 and remembered for hosting events such as a 1765 concert by a young Mozart. That structure had been repeatedly rebuilt over centuries, but poor 19th-century modifications ultimately led to its demolition in 1950, leaving only the undercroft as a reminder.

Today, Holy Cross Church serves as both the council’s meeting place and a symbol of adaptive heritage use. The Grade II* listed building remains accessible to the public, particularly during special events. In recent years, Canterbury City Council has announced plans to link the Guildhall more closely with other local heritage sites, potentially transforming it into a broader visitor attraction. For those exploring Canterbury, the church offers an unusual blend of civic function, medieval architecture, and historical continuity.