Lady Wootton's Green

01/05/2026

Feast Day of Bertha, Queen of Kent 🥰

Bertha, was a Frankish princess born c.560s and travelled to Kent to become the wife of King Æthelberht. With her she brought her Chaplain, Bishop Liudhard. She practised her faith in St Martin's Church and was part of the entourage that welcomed Augustine and his monks to Kent in 597. With Bertha's support, Augustine was able to develop monastic communities and enable the re-Christianisation of early medieval southern England. 🕯✝️

It is said that she died on this day sometime between 601-612. Bertha was buried within the Church of St Peter and St Paul, now known as St Augustine's Abbey.

02/03/2026

It’s 1st March… and that can only mean one thing, Women’s History Month is here! 👑✨

We’re kicking off the month by shining a spotlight on Queen Bertha of Kent. A Frankish princess, a Christian queen, and a woman whose influence helped shape early English history.

In 597, St Augustine arrived in England to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, and nearly every account of this mission mentions Bertha. She’s often remembered as the Christian queen who influenced her pagan husband, King Æthelberht of Kent, in Augustine’s favour.

But who was Bertha really? What do we actually know about her life? And just how much influence did she truly have?

Discover the story behind the legend and uncover the historical enigma for yourself:
🔗 https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/women-in-history/queen-bertha-historical-enigma/

14/02/2026

30/10/2025

Please support The Canterbury Society's campaign:
https://us13.list-manage.com/survey?u=3762bd110d82ab3709265602c&id=f45bf48805&attribution=false&fbclid=IwY2xjawNwSeNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFNUjl6RjQ4UHM2cGZxMG53AR6qRy46Wj13JKqsjBn15WKY0ol8H8B0dU3NK_MJOPWGuisclMQqlILVLjJ-aA_aem_xcPvPIYYAR-3-4e6VyzWYw

14/10/2025

As autumn arrives, we bring you a packed edition covering local heritage, major consultations, and a vibrant season of cultural events. From the community campaign to save Canterbury’s historic lampposts to updates on the Connected Canterbury Levelling Up programme, there’s much to reflect on - ...

05/08/2025

While it was just a short snapshot (and not a formal survey) 147 of you took part, offering clear, thoughtful views on what’s working in Canterbury… and what urgently needs attention.

05/08/2025

📢 Have your say on the future of Canterbury!

The City Council is rewriting its Local Plan - and the decisions made could shape our city for the next 20 years.

🏘️ Where should new homes go (and where shouldn’t)?
🌳 How do we protect our green spaces and heritage?
🚶‍♀️ What kind of transport, housing, and public realm do we really need?

We’re gathering views to help shape the Canterbury Society’s response - and we need yours.

🕐 It takes 2-3 minutes.
🎯 Make your voice count.

👉 Take the survey here:
https://us13.list-manage.com/survey?u=3762bd110d82ab3709265602c&id=3bf00a7615&attribution=false

01/10/2024