Canterbury Scene

The city

During the 1970s, Canterbury was known for its shopping. There was lots of independent shops, and you could get almost anything there!

It was in the middle of the 70s that the centre of Canterbury became pedestrianised. Shop keepers did not like the idea of cars no longer being able to park outside their shops, they thought it would cause them to lose business.

The university

In the 1970s, the University of Kent, based in Canterbury, was in its infancy; with its first undergraduates arriving in 1965.

At this time student socialising took place in  the four colleges; Eliot, Rutherford, Keynes and Darwin.

There was no main Students' Union building so when well known musicians and bands came to perform, the sports hall was converted to host the gig.

Peter and Charlotte Firmin

Artist Peter Firmin and his wife Joan have lived in Blean just outside Canterbury for 50 years.

In the early 70's Peter was working with Oliver Postgate on the childrens' TV classics "Bagpuss" and "Ivor The Engine".  Meanwhile, his eldest daughter, Charlotte was heading off to university.