St Martin's Church is a historical church located in Canterbury, England. It is one of the oldest and most significant churches in England, and it is considered to be the first church to be built in England, established in 597 AD. The church has a long and fascinating history, as it has been rebuilt and modified many times over the centuries.
The original church was constructed by St. Augustine, the first Archbishop of Canterbury, after he was sent to England by Pope Gregory I to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. The church was built on the site of a Roman cemetery, and it served as the first cathedral of Canterbury until the construction of Canterbury Cathedral in the 11th century.
St Martin's Church has been rebuilt several times throughout its history, and much of what we see today dates back to the 13th century. The church features a mix of architectural styles, including Romanesque and Gothic, and it contains many interesting features such as the 13th-century nave, 12th-century font, and a beautiful stained glass window known as the "Doom" painting, which depicts the Last Judgement.
Over the centuries, St Martin's Church has played a significant role in the history of Canterbury and England. It was the site of the first Christian worship in England, and it has hosted many important events over the centuries, including the baptism of King Ethelbert of Kent. Today, the church is a popular tourist attraction, and it is open to the public for worship and visits.