My Britain: Canterbury

Best known for its spectacular cathedral nestled among winding medieval streets, Canterbury is a Unesco World Heritage Site and one of the most visited cities in the UK. Inhabited since prehistoric times, it has a wealth of historic sites, including a city wall founded in Roman times and the ruins of a Benedictine monastery. The city has seen all kinds of populations, from Celtic tribes to French Huguenots to students and tourists today. The Great Stour River winds its way through the scenic city, past Fransciscan gardens, antique book shops and crooked houses. Charming buildings, beautiful green spaces and a healthy selection of pubs attract up to 7.8 million visitors a year. But what is it like to live and work in a stunning city that so many love to pass through? Locals share the secrets of life in Canterbury with Alice Gawthrop.

- Alice Gawthrop

Gary Jephcote is a team leader for Canterbury Museums and Galleries, managing the Canterbury Roman Museum and the Beaney Museum

I’ve been living in Canterbury since 2009. I’m from Leicestershire and came here to study at Canterbury Christ Church University. After my degree I got a job for the museum service.

Canterbury is a picturesque city. The mix of medieval buildings with the cathedral makes for a fantastic view. We’re also lucky to have a beautiful river. During the summer it’s the ideal place to meet with friends for a picnic. There's always something going on in the city, but, if you want some peace, it's a ten minute walk into nature.

Living here you get a real sense of community. I’ve been here for almost 14 years and there is always someone I know when walking to work. There is also a lot of local pride in Canterbury. Recently the entrance to Canterbury Cathedral was refurbished and you could see how happy the residents were.

Canterbury Roman Museum takes you through the history of the Roman occupation in Canterbury and Kent. Our museum is set alongside the remains of an in situ Roman Town House. The remains are impressive, boasting three floral mosaics and a hypocaust. It was rediscovered and unearthed in 1942, when Canterbury was bombed.

Knowing the backstory of this unique period of history makes it humbling to work here. Illuminating the past is something I'm passionate about and it’s great chatting to visitors about the history of the museum and the Roman Empire.