Becket’s murder scene brought to life in cathedral’s CGI show
VISITORS to Canterbury Cathedral are being offered the chance to step back in time for a glimpse of the site at the time of Archbishop Thomas Becket’s murder using CGI.
Officials say a digital guide will include technology designed to bring sections of the almost thousand-yearold place of worship to life.
Medieval stained-glass windows, the tomb of Henry IV and Becket’s shrine, which became the most important pilgrimage site in the country, are among the attractions.
Jan Leandro, the head of learning and participation, said: “Our audio and visual media guide, which will be on a device a little bigger than an iphone with headphones, is incredibly exciting and we believe it is the first of its kind for a cathedral in this country.
“It will feature CGI [computer-generated imagery] of different key parts of the building showing exactly how [the areas] in front of them would have looked in medieval times.
“We believe it is going to make the story and the heritage of the cathedral more accessible to everyone and allow more people to come and learn about the history.” The immersive guide will be available from the summer and is part of a larger six-year investment project titled Canterbury Journey, which is set to be completed in October next year.
Almost £25 million – £13.8 million of National Heritage Lottery funding and £10.9 million from donors worldwide – has been spent on restoring the roof, the main entrance and gate as well as building a visitor centre, viewing gallery, community studio and shop.
Becket was killed at the cathedral’s high altar by four knights, after incurring the wrath of Henry II.
The murder on Dec 29 1170 instantly made Becket one of history’s most notable figures. He was canonised in 1173, but during the Reformation, King Henry VIII destroyed his bones and all mention of Becket’s name.
The cathedral was founded in AD597 and completely rebuilt in 1077.