Mercery Lane
Mercery Lane is one of the narrated stops on the self-guided Canterbury audio walking tour in Gingerguide. Plan about ~15 min here. Press play at the spot for its two to three minute story, or ask the AI guide anything about it.
- Type landmark
- Suggested visit ~15 min
- Canterbury Canterbury guide
About Mercery Lane
A tiny, timber-framed medieval street, the pilgrims' old approach to Becket's shrine, its overhanging houses almost meeting overhead and framing the classic view of the cathedral.
Mercery Lane is a narrow medieval street linking Canterbury's High Street to the Buttermarket and Christ Church Gate. It was the usual final approach for medieval pilgrims heading to the shrine of Thomas Becket, and it frames the classic view of the cathedral gate and towers beyond. The street keeps its medieval width, with the overhanging upper floors of its timber-framed houses almost meeting overhead.
It is named after the mercers, dealers in fine cloth, whose stalls once lined it; during the pilgrimage era it was crowded with stalls selling souvenirs and phials of healing water from Becket's Well. The houses along the west side formed part of the Chequer of Hope, a large inn built to lodge pilgrims. It remains one of the most photographed streets in the city.
Did you know? Mercery Lane was the medieval pilgrims' final approach to Becket's shrine. Its stalls sold souvenirs and little phials of healing water said to come from Becket's Well, a medieval gift shop trading on faith.
How long should you spend at Mercery Lane?
Plan about ~15 min at Mercery Lane. That is enough to take it in and hear its narrated story; stay longer if it grabs you. The tour is self-guided, so there is no rush.
Is Mercery Lane worth visiting?
Mercery Lane is one of the 13 sights the Gingerguide team researched and narrated in Canterbury, so it earns a place on a self-guided walk. Its story explains why it matters, and you can ask the AI guide anything the story leaves open.
Nearby stops in Canterbury
Day 2 of the Canterbury in 2 days itinerary →
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Hear the story of Mercery Lane
Preview the Canterbury tour free in the Gingerguide app.