Lucky survivor of the bombing raids

In the early hours of June 1, 1942, much of Canterbury’s south-east quadrant was wiped out, largely by the fires caused by incendiary bombs. An extensive spread of highexplosive bombs was also dropped in that raid, but these were concentrated on an area slightly to the north of the main conflagration.

This latter area of extensive damage but little fire included the Cathedral’s north precinct, Broad Street and Lady Wootton’s Green.

In the aftermath of the infamous Baedeker raid, every building in, or facing Lady Wootton’s Green was badly damaged by blast; the bombs hitting the central garden area of this well-known thoroughfare.

Given different circumstances, the street’s devastated historic buildings could well have been repaired and restored.

However, with the pressures and priorities of war, the only option considered was demolition.

As a result, all but one of the houses in Lady Wootton’s Green was quickly cleared away.

Also badly damaged was the

‘Given its historic significance to the city, demolition could not be an option so it was shored up until repairs could be carried out’

Findon Gate, of the former St Augustine’s Abbey, which had always been the focal point of Lady Wootton’s Green.

As can be see in the photo, much of the facing stonework of this ancient gateway was blasted away.

Complete collapse, as a result of this devastation was feared.

Given the gate’s historic significance to the city, demolition could not be an option, so the structure was shored up with timbers until repair could be carried out.

Repair work finally took place in the first half of 1948, as can be seen in the second photo.

Sadly, the only stone available did not blend in with the surviving historic fabric, and is still obvious today.

Findon Gate, in the immediate aftermath of the Blitz on June 1, 1942, and shortly after its restoration and repair, in June 1948