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Dane John Gardens

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

Canterbury's largest and most popular garden. The intriguing name comes from an English mangling of the Norman French 'donjon' (forerunner of our word 'dungeon'). In this case the term does not refer to a prison, but to an early Norman castle founded by William the Conqueror.

Shortly after the Conquest, William established castles at Canterbury, Dover, and Rochester. These were simple wooden structures atop a high mound, or motte. The high castle mound, known locally as Dane John's Mound, gives its name to the garden. However, the mound itself was in existence well before the Norman Conquest; it dates to at least the 1st century AD.

The park containing the garden was in place by 1551, but the formal gardens that stretch out at the foot of the mound were laid out around 1790 as a gift to the city by Alderman James Simmons. A memorial obelisk to Simmons stands at the top of Dane John Mound.

Simmons, whose grave can be seen at St Mildred's church, created a garden bounded on one side by an avenue of plane trees and on the other side by the old city walls. There is a play area, fountain, and bandstand where open air events are held. Visitors and residents alike enjoy walks along the city walls, which give great views across the city.

Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2RN

About Dane John Gardens
Attraction Type: Garden
Website: Dane John Gardens
Location map
OS TR147574

Heritage Highlight: The early Norman castle mound known as Dane John rises in one corner of the garden
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Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Dane John Mound - 0 miles (Castle) Canterbury City Walls - 0.1 miles (Historic Property) Canterbury Castle - 0.1 miles (Castle) Canterbury, St Mildred Church - 0.1 miles (Church) Canterbury Tales - 0.2 miles (Museum) Museum of Canterbury with Rupert Bear Museum - 0.2 miles (Museum) Canterbury Royal Museum & Art Gallery - 0.2 miles (Museum) Greyfriars Chapel and Franciscan Garden - 0.2 miles (Historic Property)

Nearest Towns and Villages Canterbury - 0.7 miles away Fordwich - 2.5 miles away Chilham - 5.4 miles away Whitstable - 6.3 miles away Godmersham - 6.9 miles away Wye - 8.9 miles away Barfreston - 10.4 miles away Lyminge - 11 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Dane John Gardens

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

13 Green Court - 2.9 miles from Dane John Gardens Bridge, Kent Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £280

Heron Manor - 5.4 miles from Dane John Gardens Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 5 Stay from: £420

Mistletoe - 5.4 miles from Dane John Gardens Chilham, Kent Sleeps: 3 Stay from: £278

More Self Catering near Dane John Gardens

Nearest Hotels

Abode Canterbury - 0.3 miles from Dane John Gardens Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £89.00

Sun Hotel - 0.3 miles from Dane John Gardens Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £165.00

Canterbury Cathedral Lodge - 0.3 miles from Dane John Gardens Canterbury, Kent Stay from: £55.00

More Hotels near Dane John Gardens

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Coach House - 0.3 miles from Dane John Gardens Canterbury, Kent From: £42.50

Amanda House - 0.3 miles from Dane John Gardens Canterbury, Kent From: £35.00

Anns house - 0.4 miles from Dane John Gardens Canterbury, Kent From: £80.00

More bed and breakfasts near Dane John Gardens

Canterbury
Tourist Information Centre
12-13 Sun Street
The Buttermarket
Canterbury
Kent
England
CT1 2HX
Tel: 01227 378100
Fax: 01227 378101
Email: canterburyinformation@canterbury.gov.uk
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