Canterbury - St Augustine's Abbey & College

St Augustine's College (1846-48), located not far from the cathedral, outside the city walls, harbors the remains of the abbey founded by St Augustine in 604. St Augustine's Gate and the Cemetery Gate date from the 13th century, but are partly destroyed. The foundations of the old abbey church and the graves of St Augustine, King Ethelbert and his wife Queen Bertha have been revealed by excavation. There are also excavated remains of the early Saxon St Pancras' Church, incorporating much Roman material.

The abbey was built in 598 AD, the year after St. Augustine was sent by the Pope to convert the pagan King of Kent. It became the Christian center of Britain, and the burial place of St. Augustine after his death. Much of the abbey was destroyed by Henry VIII.