The Canterbury Cathedral’s history dates all the way back to 597 AD, this was when St Augustine established his seat in Canterbury. He was sent by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary from Rome. During the tenth century, the cathedral became a monastery for Benedictine monks until it was ended by King Henry VIII in 1540. The building was rebuilt and enlarged by the Saxons and by 1070 the Normans had completely rebuilt it. The wars throughout the years have caused the cathedral a fair amount of damage so the repairs have been made as necessary.
Another important part of the cathedral is the library. The library contains about 30,000 books and pamphlets that were printed before the 1900's. It also has a growing collection of about 20,000 books from after that time period. Alot of the books contain valuble information on church history, medicine, natural science, older theology, travel and the anti-slavery movement. The library is open to anyone interested in using their collection for study as well.
But the most famous event which took place in the cathedral, was the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. What people may not know is that the characters portrayed in Chacucer’s Canterbury Tales were actually representatives of the hundreds of people who flocked to the cathedral for worshiping, healing and repenting at the shrine of Becket. The shrine to Thomas Becket was destroyed in 1538 by orders of King Henry VIII. Now, all there is in that place is a single candle and the imprinted pink stone where so many pilgrims have kneeled.
The story of Becket’s death is somewhat of an unfortunate one for him. It happens that he had been in a small fight with the king, and four knights overheard the king venting his rage and took his words a bit too seriously when he shouted, “Who will rid me of this meddlesome priest?!” So with those words being heard, the knights went off and found Becket. When he was found worshiping and refused to absolve the bishops he kindly stated that in the name of Christ he would embrace death. And with that, three blows were struck and he was killed.
So that is the story of the history of the Canterbury Cathedral. The church is still active today and has great singers that perform, they gladly welcome visitors.

http://www.canterbury-cathedral.org/index.aspx

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/england/canterbury-cathedral.htm