Canterbury has been a popular place to visit for centuries and remains so today. From humble pilgrims to Roman battalions to Royalty, Canterbury has been an important visiting place throughout the centuries and is one of the few places that can trace unended occupancy throughout known history. Situated in Kent in the south east of England, it is accessible for all. It is only 90 mins by train from London. The small medieval city, with a population of only 33000, exudes a warm and friendly atmosphere. The contrasts between old and new can be seen in it's medieval architecture and modern shops. The most striking figure when nearing Canterbury is the medieval Cathedral. It towers over the city at an impressive height of 537 feet. Canterbury is the centre for the founding of English Christianity.The Cathedral gives Canterbury it's fame as the head church for the Anglican Faith throughout the world. It was for christianity that St. Thomas Becket died, thus giving Canterbury pilgrimage status and thousands journey from far and wide to pay homage to the martyr. Canterbury is a city steeped in history and occupation of the area can be traced back to many centuries before Christ. Little was known about its ancestors until after World War II, when bombs laid many parts of Canterbury bare, allowing archaeologists to delve into Canterbury's past. The area in which Canterbury is situated was once a boggy wasteland, but gradually over time, with prehistoric mans' advancement in tools and implements, the area was cultivated and cleared for settlement. Due to threats from the continent, fortified villages such as the fort of Bigbury near Harbledown were built. The Romans first came to Canterbury under the command of Julius Caesar in 55 and 54 B.C. and the people living there were found to be quite civilised. After taking hostages and money the Romans left for a century. In 43 A.D. a full scale invasion was launched, as Canterbury and surrounding areas posed a threat due to their links with the Gauls. By A.D. a Roman civil settlement existed. Canterbury was an important capital as it connected 3 trading ports to London. Canterbury had all the luxuries of a Roman city such as theaters, baths, temples, forums and intricately mosaiced houses. With the invasion of the Angles, Saxons and Jutes and their rivalry for control of England, Canterbury was abandoned and left in ruins.