St Martin’s Church, Canterbury

Ancient Canterbury church associated with Queen Bertha and St Augustine, described by Canterbury Cathedral as the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world. The site is in Canterbury, Kent, England. Parts of the building have origins in Roman Britain.

It served as Queen Bertha’s chapel before Augustine’s mission of 597 and continued in Christian use thereafter. St Martin’s is exceptionally important because Christian worship there predates Augustine’s mission of 597. The church served Queen Bertha, a Frankish Christian married to King Æthelberht of Kent, and became connected with Augustine’s work after his arrival.

Canterbury Cathedral describes it as the oldest church in continuous use in the English-speaking world, with fabric reaching back to Roman Britain. It is a component of Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its recognised heritage context is: Part of the Canterbury UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The site continues to function religiously as well as historically. Visitors should expect worship and community use to take priority over sightseeing, and should consult the official website for current opening arrangements, service times and any access restrictions.