The Old Weavers House, Canterbury
The Old Weavers House is one of the most photographed historic buildings in Canterbury.
The beautiful half-timbered building is situated on the River Stour - the river quite literally laps at the side of the building, which currently houses a popular restaurant.
The quirky building had been Grade II listed by English Heritage, making the iconic structure of ‘significant importance.’
Although dated on its outside sign as 1500, much of the structure was laid in the 12th century.
The Old Weavers House takes its name from the influx of Flemish and Huguenot weavers who settled in the area after fleeing from religious persecution during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Weaving centres were established in Canterbury in the 16th century when Walloon and Huguenot refugees settled here, as elsewhere.
Known as "the strangers" these newcomers established their work places, especially by the river Stour, and soon had their looms at work weaving "Bayes and says, Grograines" and many other fabrics.
The prosperity which their industry brought to the city was acknowledged in 1574 by the magistrates of Canterbury; and it is suggested that it was around this time when "the quaint old gabled house at king's bridge" became one of their places of work.
With later-found evidence confirming it had been used as such. Prosperity peaked in the 1960s, but decline followed largely due to foreign imports.
Then a fresh impetus was given to the trade in 1787 when John Callaway, master of the city silk weavers introduced his "Canterbury Muslins" soon of acclaimed renown.
However due to changes in fashion and demand the industry was all but over at the start of the 19th century; and by this time an inn.
The Golden Lion, was in the third part of the building.
A period followed in which no's 1, 2 & 3 were used as separate trading or retail units during which no 1 was mainly a laundry. No 2 fruiterer's, and no 3 dairy outlet.
When weaving returned to the premises after Miss Edith Holmes and Miss Constance Philpot's established a weaving school, a revival of craft, for women and girls in need of work.
Initially in other premises they moved in 1899 to no's 1 & 2 of the old building by king's bridge, thereby named the Canterbury Weavers, and linked to the past by the items found during restoration work.
The found fragments of loom, bobbins, fabrics, Old English tokens and Dutch tiles, and traces of hoists to link with river-transport.
The school closed in 1914, but the premises long continued as outlets for the woven goods, before becoming other retail units.
Today no 1, and nos 2/3 are restaurants, with no 2 the "Weavers Restaurant" retaining in its name much of Canterbury's history.
Someone who recently visited The Old Weavers House wrote on TripAdvisor: “A welcoming staff. Did not have reservation but staff were very helpful and made us a table of 7.
”But it is recommended to make reservation as in few minutes it was full up since it was Sunday lunch. Food genuine and authentic British. Served quickly.
”Good value for money. Welcoming and cosy atmosphere.”
Another person added: “Such an amazing experience. This quirky restaurant, filled with historic content, was a blast to go. And the food... oh God.
”Get a pie and a roast. Any of them. You won't regret it. It was delicious, it was a lot, it was perfect!”
For the ultimate riverside experience, the Old Weavers Restaurant has a riverside terrace bursting with plants and flowers to create a restful oasis at the water's edge.
Not only that, but diners can also enjoy a 40-minute river tour in one of the punting company owned boats, prior to or followed by a one-course-meal of their choosing.
If you’d like to visit The Old Weavers House, the address is: 3 St Peter's St, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2AT.
They serve traditional pub food - and you can view the full menu (and book a table) via their official website.
This row of buildings houses several restaurants.
Just down the street from the Weavers is the brown brick building that houses the Ask Pizza and Pasta restaurant.
Exploring Canterbury
Canterbury is a lovely place to explore - its history is woven into the fabric of England itself.
At the forefront is the iconic Canterbury Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest and most famous Christian structures in England.
The cathedral, with its stunning Gothic architecture, has been a place of pilgrimage since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170.
Visitors can wander through the hallowed halls, marvel at the intricate stained glass windows, and soak in the spiritual ambience that has lingered for centuries.
Beyond the cathedral, Canterbury's medieval streets and timber-framed buildings offer a glimpse into the past.
The Westgate Towers, a historic city gate, and the Canterbury Roman Museum provide further insights into the city's diverse history.
Strolling through the city center, visitors encounter a vibrant mix of independent shops, boutiques, and quaint cafes.
The bustling Whitefriars Shopping Centre caters to modern tastes, while the medieval Buttermarket retains its historic charm.
Canterbury's diverse culinary scene offers a delightful array of international cuisines, blending traditional English fare with flavours from around the globe.
For those seeking a breath of fresh air, however, the Westgate Gardens and the River Stour offer a tranquil escape.
The Westgate Gardens, adorned with colorful blooms, provide a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city.
Punting along the River Stour allows visitors to view Canterbury from a different perspective, with picturesque scenes of weeping willows and historic bridges.
If you have time, we also recommend a visit to The Marlowe Theatre, named after the Elizabethan playwright Christopher Marlowe.
It hosts a variety of performances, from Shakespearean plays to contemporary dramas and musicals..
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