by The historical entrance to the Canterbury Cathedral could be transformed into a holiday in Airbnb style, which leads to criticism of the “continued commercialization of the church”.
Christ Church Gate built in the early 16th century is the main entrance to the Canterbury cathedral and is one of the most photographed Christian landmarks of the country.
However, the church authorities have proposed to transform the historical tower into “unsurpassed” Airbnb accommodation with an apartment with an apartment with an open kitchen and a living room, a biofuel fire, a breakfast bar and two toilets.
The dean and the chapter of Canterbury described the accommodation that would replace the office space on the first and second floor as “high quality” and said that it would deliver long -term use for the building.
The plans, the listed gate, which is the main entrance to the cathedral and was assumed to change between 1504 and 1521, have divided the Christians and members of the local community.
Dr. Gavin Ashenden, former chaplain of the late Queen Elizabeth II, who has been converted to Catholicism since then, described this as “continued commercialization” of the church.
Dr. Ashenden, choral scholar at King’s Canterbury, said: “While the Church of England continues its collapse, it is no surprise that they have to increase more and more connections to collect money.
“To give it, where it is due, the conversion of this famous cathedral goal into an Airbnb does not include the degree of blasphemy and irresponsibility that some of the other money that activities such as transforming the cathedral into a night club are transformed into a night club. Perhaps the residents should be grateful as a casino.”
Hilary Brian, chairman of the Canterbury Society, described the idea as “outrageous” and asked the cathedral authorities to change their opinion.
“The gate is such an important piece of Canterbury’s story and should be preserved,” she told Kent Online.
“It seems to be a shame to see one of the city’s greatest landmarks ignored in this way.”
“Centuries -old practice of hospitality”
A spokesman for the Canterbury Cathedral said: “The best long-term way to look after our historic buildings and ensure that they will be maintained for future generations is that they are used and loved by residents and visitors.
“The rooms in the goal are not taken up and are in their current state of limited benefits.
“If we think about how these rooms can be used, the cathedral works closely with historical building specialists, nature conservation architects and planners to use them.
“This will help us develop our centuries -old practice of hospitality and welcome, while we serve the broader community both here in Canterbury and around the world. We want to share more information if the plans develop.”
Purcell Architects, the company that would change the historic building, said in the documents that were presented to the Council: “From the layout and the devices, including the large fireplaces and windows that are originally with window shops, they are designed for domestic use.”
This is not the first time that cathedrals are accused of being increasingly secularized and commercialized. In 2019, the Southwark cathedral was accused of promoting the “opposite of the Christian gospel” by using his nave as a catwalk to sell clothing from fashion designer Julien Macdonald.
Norwich’s cathedral was also criticized because he had “treated God like a tourist attraction” after it had installed a 55-foot helter skelter in his nave.
The Canterbury Council was contacted for a comment
