Close-up view of the Great Stour River and Westgate Gardens, Canterbury, Kent
The Westgate Gardens can be found close to the City centre, just next to the West Gate Tower. The eleven acres of public gardens provide an ideal setting for a gentle stroll along the banks of the River Stour, while the less energetic can sit back, unwind and absorb the tranquil beauty of the garden and its wildlife. The meandering river provides the perfect environment for swans, ducks and moorhens to settle and raise their young. In the summer, the garden provides an ideal setting for open air events, exhibitions or as a picnic area. This site has been a public space since the Middle Ages, although late Iron Age and early Roman pottery has been found on site. During the 1400s, this area was called the Rosier - with five gardens and meadow land. Throughout this period many disputes arose between the residents and the Prior of Christ Church concerning the site's ownership. In 1427, the Prior claimed that the townspeople had stolen hay from the meadow lands. They in turned accused the Prior of diverting the course of the river to feed one of the mills. Judgement was made by Archbishop Chichele, who decided that they hay had been stolen and the monks should return the river to its natural course.
Size: 5294px × 3612px
Location: Westgate Gardens, Canterbury, Kent,
Photo credit: © John Gaffen 2 / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: boating, canterbury, gardens, great, historic, houses, kent, leisure, park, period, public, punt, punting, river, stour, tourism, travel, walking, westgate
