CANTERBURY.- This summer, an entire programme of events, talks and activities will focus on the women that have shaped Canterbury Cathedral, both past and present.

At the beginning of 2026 Dame Sarah Mullally was appointed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury - the first woman ever to hold this position. This continues a tradition of influential women who have been connected to the Cathedral and the wider city, including Queen Bertha of Kent in the 6th century and Elizabeth I during Tudor England.

And now a summer holiday programme - for families and anyone interested in history, Christianity and influential women – is being held at Canterbury Cathedral to introduce and celebrate the significant female figures linked to its history.

Without Queen Bertha (c.539 – c.612) there might not even be a Canterbury Cathedral, which has now stood for almost 1500 years. A Frankish Princess and devout Christian, she made sure she would still be able to practice her religion when marrying the Pagan Æthelberht of Kent. From this position she was instrumental in converting her husband to the faith, and in doing so, allowing the Gregorian mission to thrive in Kent and beyond when Augustine led the re-introduction of Christianity to the Anglo-Saxons.

A guided walk tracing Queen Bertha’s footsteps will set off once a month (Friday 5 June, Friday 3 July, Friday 7 August) through Canterbury, including St Martin’s Church - formally her private chapel and today is the oldest working Church in the country - and finishing in the Cathedral itself. Treading this millenia-old path, the courage, dedication and intelligence of Queen Bertha will be brought into focus while revealing her pivotal role in the Christian mission that is still playing its part today.

During her 40th birthday and 15 years into her reign, Elizabeth I (1533-1603) spent a fortnight in Canterbury during a summer progress in 1573. Seen as the ruler that stabilised the English Reformation and paved the way for what we now recognise as Anglicanism, the Queen attended worship at the Cathedral and a banquet hosted by Archbishop Matthew Parker.

On Tuesday 7 July a special talk by Cressida Williams, Head of Archives and Library at Canterbury Cathedral, will delve deep into this fascinating fortnight. Illustrated with material from the Cathedral’s historic collections, the talk captures the colour and pageantry of the Elizabethan age, the intrigue of the French ambassadors who were also present and part of a decades-long mission to convince the Queen to marry a Catholic suitor. It is followed by afternoon tea in the Refectory Restaurant, with an optional opportunity to attend Evensong afterwards, as the Queen did herself on her visit.

In March 2026 another historic sight was seen at the Cathedral when Archbishop Sarah Mullally was installed on the Feast of the Annunciation (25 March). The image that went around the world included the Archbishop in the of a Golden mitre (a ceremonial headdress), and during the summer there will be the chance to make your own mitre inspired by Sarah Mullally.

This is part of a wider-set of family-fun activities that will use creativity to introduce the wider story of women and the Cathedral to those who may not be aware. Crown-making like the medieval one Queen Bertha would’ve worn, and calligraphy workshops inspired by Queen Elizabeth I - who was famed for her penmanship and mastery of languages - will also be on offer.

A Women at the Cathedral Tour will also be held throughout the summer (Thursdays 11 & 25 June, 9 & 23 July, 6 & 20 August) shining a spotlight on the remarkable women who have shaped the Cathedral’s story across the centuries. From influential Medieval figures and pioneering benefactors to trailblazing contemporary leaders, the tour reveals the often‑overlooked contributions that have shaped the Cathedral’s spiritual, cultural, and social legacy.

And throughout the whole summer a special trail will be created in the Cathedral taking visitors to the artwork, tombs and memorials connected to women in the Cathedral’s history.

As well as musical events and other activities that are both fun and informative, this summer at Canterbury Cathedral promises to be a unique celebration of an historic chapter in the Church’s story.

Kathryn Beldon, Receiver General (Chief Operating Officer) at Canterbury Cathedral says, “I find these women’s stories truly inspirational —each one a powerful reminder of how faith, courage and determination can shape history. This summer, we are inviting visitors to experience history and leave feeling inspired by the lasting impact these remarkable women continue to have today.”