May 10


Today, after a early wake-up call, we traveled to Dover and Canterbury.

Dover Castle is one of the largest castles in England, proudly standing on top of the White Cliffs, overlooking busy port of Dover. 





Dover castle's location, over looking the Straits of Dover, has meant that it has played an important part in guarding Britain from invaders. Its earliest rampart defenses date back to the prehistoric Iron Age. Then the Romans built a lighthouse here in the first century AD. The bulk of Dover Castle, as we know it today, dates from a century after the Norman Conquest. the masonry of Dover Castle dates from the twelfth century or later.

There has been a castle on this spot since 1066, but it is likely there has been some kind of fort on the site for over 2,000 years.



 This view along the coast reveals the towering height of the famous White Cliffs, elements of Dover's past defenses and its ever-changing port. 





In the distance, a tall mast occupies the site of Langdon Battery, where the large coast defense guns and anti-aircrafty guns watched over Dover and the Straits in the First and Second World War.



 Once touring the outer perimeter of the castle we headed inside to the castle tower. This 118 step climb to the top although tiring, was well worth it in the end as we were then able to view the skyline of France. 




To the right, you can see the group taking in the scenery after climbing to the top of the castle. A few of us even climbed the remaining 13 stairs to go to the very top of the castle.  






Below, Michaela is overlooking Dover and to the right you can see what the view was like from the very top. The group agreed that it was all worth it in the end. 



To the left, Sami, Baily, Amanda, and Mikayla are modeling what some of the shields looked like when protecting the shore line of Dover. 

 After Dover, we went to the Canterbury Cathedral. Pilgrims and visitors have made their way to Canterbury Cathedral since the Middle Ages. It remains one of the most visited places in the country, and, just as importantly, a living community.







 There has been a cathedral in Canterbury since 597 when St. Augustine baptized the Saxon king Ethelbert. The Archbishop of Canterbury was the most senior religious figure and he was based at the cathedral. While the cathedral had huge significance at both a religious and political level in medieval times, its importance as a centre of pilgrimage greatly increased after the murder of Thomas Becket there in 1170.

We ended the day with dinner on Regent's campus and a night to ourselves to catch up on our rest after the long day of traveling. 

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