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In a timeless classic, Theseus, the duke of Athens, imprisoned the knights, Arcite and Palamon. Though the two were bossom friends, they despised each other after they saw the lovely Emily, the sister of a queen. After getting out of prison, Arcite and Palamon vied for the heart of Emily, almost killing each other in the process. Theseus then planned a tournament to determine who would win Emily. Both knights hoped for victory, but Emily hoped that only the man who truly loved her would win. Arcite won first place in the tournament, but then died before marrying Emily. So Palamon wed her. This poem of chivalry and moral dilemmas is one of the many that you could enjoy while staying in a hotel in Canterbury.

Tale of the Tales

"Canterbury Tales" is Geoffrey Chaucer's uncompleted masterpiece of the late 1300s. It focuses on various pilgrims who have gathered at the Tabard Inn in Southwark, London. Some of the memorable characters include a scholar-clerk, an uppity prioress, and a knight who has seen more than one "tour of duty." They are all journeying to Thomas Becket's shrine at Canterbury. The knights of King Henry II killed Becket after he opposed the king's bid to control the English church. The travellers are kicking back by telling 24 tales, most of them in the form of poetry. Some are about everyday English life, while others are very romantic. Today, by touring Canterbury and staying in a hotel in Canterbury, you can create your own poetry in motion even while you rest.

Canterbury Churches

Canterbury is a historic city in the southeast area of England. It is the home of the Archbishop of Canterbury-England's most important religious figure, and the head of the Church of England. Between your times at a hotel in Canterbury, several sites in Canterbury could be the subject of your own original poetry.

* Canterbury Cathedral remains one of England's oldest and best known Christian structures in the U.K. It is the Cathedral of the Anglican Archbishop of Canterbury, the Church of England's religious leader. The building contains the Chair of St. Augustine, and is famous for the murder of Thomas Becket-an enemy of King Henry II. Becket's story inspired Geoffrey Chaucer to write "Canterbury Tales."

* St. Dustan's is a church dedicated to an Archbishop of Canterbury. Here, the English statesman, lawyer, and author Thomas More is buried.

* St. Augustine's Abbey - named for the first Archbishop of Canterbury - was once a Benedictine abbey. An abbey is a church with buildings attached to it. This building is where monks and nuns live. "Benedictine" refers to Benedict, the Italian saint.

Perfect for Poetry

After spending a day touring Canterbury, you might be inspired to try your own hand at writing poetry. A hotel in Canterbury is the perfect place to do that. You can find a hotel in Canterbury surrounded by a scenic countryside, which provides a friendly environment. In particular, hotels have amenities, such as medieval fireplaces and antique furniture that can be found in restaurants and lounges. These features will make your stay cozier.

Canterbury is a magical place that has inspired poets like Geoffrey Chaucer. After touring the city and returning to your hotel in Canterbury, you may feel like writing your own poetry of Canterbury tales.