The Way of Saint Thomas

This route is symbolic of the return from exile of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, before his murder in 1170. It visits 14 churches along the way through some lovely countryside and village in this corner of South East Kent. It is approximately 25 kms long.

Becket's Return From Exile

'The good priest of God, Thomas, embarked on the ship and instructed his pilot to steer for the port of Sandwich, since that was his own port and his men would rejoice at hls arrival...

...When the news that the Archbishop had landed reached the Church and city of Canterbury. - Everyone in the town rejoiced, from the highest to the lowest. The exterior of the Church was decorated; the citizens clothed themselves in silk and rich garments; many a banquet, and generous feasts were prepared. The Archhbishop was received with a grand procession. The church resounded with hymns and the music of the organ; the halls w1th the trumpets; the city, on all sides, with overflowing Joy". - William Fitzstephen.

On the 30th November 1170, Thomas Becket set sail for England from Wissant near Boulogne in France, and landed on the shores of the Sandwich Haven (often just referred to as Sandwich Quayside) in Kent on the 1st of December. Before continuing his journey to Canterbury Cathedral, Becket is said to have stopped to pray at St Clement's Parish Church, a Norman-era church that remains in the heart of Sandwich today. This pilgrimage route starts at the same quay and passes through the Fishergate to our first church on the way at St Clement's.

Churches Along The Route

Sandwich -

The Parish Church of Saint Clement – Church Street Saint Clement’s, Sandwich CT13 9EH
Saint Peter’s Church – Market Street, Sandwich CT13 9DA
Saint Mary’s Church – Strand Street, Sandwich CT13 9HN

Woodnesborough - Saint Mary the Blessed Virgin - Church Street, Woodnesborough, CT130NW

Staple - Saint James the Great - 2 The Street, Staple, CT3 1LN

Wingham - Saint Mary the Virgin Church - Canterbury Road, Wingham, CT3 1BB

Ickham - Saint John the Evangelist - The Street, Ickham, CT3 1QW

Littlebourne - Saint Vincent of Saragossa Church - Church Road, Littlebourne, CT3 1QW

Bekesbourne - Saint Peter's Church - Old Palace Road, Bekesbourne, CT4 5ET

Patrixbourne - Saint Mary's Church - Patrixbourne Road, Patrixbourne, CT4 5BP

Canterbury - Saint Martin's Church - 1 North Holmes Road, Canterbury, CT1 1QJ

Canterbury - Saint Paul's without the walls Church - Church Street, CT1 1NH

Canterbury - Saint Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church - 59 Burgate, Canterbury CT1 2HJ

Canterbury - Canterbury Cathedral - The Precincts, Canterbury CT1 2EH