Chapter I: Preface

The associations connected with St. Martin's Church are manifold, and of universal interest. During recent explorations so much fresh matter has been brought to light that it has become almost necessary to re-write the structural description of the building, and to re-consider the date of its foundation. We have endeavoured to lay before our readers a plain summary of the discoveries that have been made, and to elucidate them, as far as possible, from the pages of history--for (in the words of a sound antiquary) "It is every day more true that people _want_ history in guide-books. The tourist is a much better informed person than he used to be, and desires to be still more so."

Charles F. Routledge.

CANTERBURY, _May 1898_.

CONTENTS

PAGE

CHAPTER I.--Introduction 3
Early Christianity in Britain 6

CHAPTER II.--History of the Church 14
Roman Canterbury 15
The Saxon Invasion 21
The Mission of St. Augustine 24
Baptism of Ethelbert 31
Bishops of St. Martin's 34

CHAPTER III.--
Description of the Church--Exterior 41
Dedication 41
Walls 45
Buttresses 48
Doorways 51
Description--Interior 62
Font 67
West Wall of Nave 71
Norman Piscina 74
Chancel 76
Chrismatory 83