There was a huge public reaction to Thomas’s death. Pilgrims began to arrive at Canterbury Cathedral from across Europe and King Henry II received many high-status visitors.
Henry invested in Dover Castle, creating the great tower keep as a fitting venue, suitable for important travellers on their way to Canterbury, and making it truly ‘fit for a king'.
Sometime after his death, Thomas was attributed a coat of arms featuring three choughs, which first appears about 100 years later in Canterbury Cathedral, and, in the 14th century, the City of Canterbury adopted a coat of arms with three choughs and a royal lion. But no one really knows why the chough became associated with Thomas, other than the legend of the blooded crow. Whatever its origin, the chough has a long history in heraldry in glass, sculpture, coats of arms, flags, and even pub signs!
How many chough symbols can you find near you? Let us know at chough@wilderkent.org.uk
Rob Smith takes this episode of Talk on the Wild Side to Dover where he visits the incredible Liz Corry who has seen the project through from the hatching of the chough chicks to watching them fly over Dover Castle.
Jenny Luddington, Community Organising Assistant and Jade Williams, Community Organising Officer share their experiences organising the Connect, Share, Celebrate event in Dover.
Be sure to check out these 10 woods whilst exploring Kent, each offering something a little different across the county.
Since bison were released into West Blean and Thornden Woods on the outskirts of Canterbury, they have not only transformed the landscape but significantly grown in number.
Natasha Ruskin explores something terrifying: a world without woodlands.
