Historic Font at St Martin's Church Canterbury

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The Church of St Martin Canterbury boasts an impressive history, claimed to be England's oldest parish church. Interestingly, a previous Roman Christian church once stood on this very site, situated outside Canterbury's city walls where Queen Bertha and her chaplain Bishop Liudhard worshipped before King Ethelbert's conversion. Historically significant, the Saxon font is believed to have played a pivotal role in the baptism of King Ethelbert. According to Historic England List Entry 1242166, this church holds immense historical value. However, a closer examination reveals that the font modeled from St Martin's Church may not be the actual Saxon Font mentioned in the description. More likely, it dates back to the Norman period, circa C11, and its original purpose might have been different from what we see today. The stones used to create this font could have been repurposed from another site, possibly even from the top of a well.