Mercery Lane
This morning, after my night shift ended at 8 a.m., I popped into the centre of Canterbury. Sun, rain, and wild skies were on offer, and I knew that later on, I'd be pretty sleepy and not in the mood for photography. Ultimately, my favourite shot was this one, looking along Mercery Lane towards Canterbury Cathedral.
Mercery Lane, located in the heart of medieval Canterbury, is one of the city's most historically significant streets. Its name derives from the medieval merchants, or mercers, who traded textiles, fabrics, and other goods along this vibrant thoroughfare. The street formed part of the ceremonial route connecting the royal castle to Canterbury Cathedral, underscoring its importance in the city's past.
During Canterbury's heyday as a pilgrimage destination, Mercery Lane played a pivotal role, with stalls lining the street to sell healing water from Becket's Well to visitors. The Chequers Inn, a renowned pilgrims’ hostel mentioned in Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, was also situated here. Built in 1392 by Christchurch Priory, the inn could accommodate up to 100 pilgrims in its dormitory. Although much of the western end of the Chequers Inn was destroyed by fire in 1865, the facades on Mercery Lane survived.
The architectural character of Mercery Lane reflects its rich heritage. Many of the buildings are Grade II listed and feature timber-framed structures dating back to the medieval period. The street’s narrow medieval width remains intact, with the upper floors of buildings on opposite sides of the lane almost touching. On its eastern side, 13th-century vaulted stone cellars extend some 30 feet underground.
Modern alterations have also left their mark on Mercery Lane. In 1931, the corner property at the junction with The Parade underwent substantial reconstruction, funded by Boots the Chemist. Despite such changes, the street retains its historic charm, with its cobbled path and artisanal shops continuing to attract attention. Today, Mercery Lane is widely regarded as one of Canterbury’s most picturesque and historically resonant streets.
Canon Powershot S95, Lightroom, Silver Efex Pro 2
