The University of Kent Labyrinth at Canterbury

Cut into the slopes below the university and overlooking Canterbury Cathedral this labyrinth enjoys a unique setting which will show off the beautiful stone and turf design by Jeff Saward and Andrew Wiggins.

This pattern has topological symmetry and is a 7 circuits variant of  the most well known surviving historic labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral. The use of turf to delineate the paths is in keeping with the English tradition of turf labyrinths which were literally cut into the ground. The paths are created using York stone setts (as used in paving slab form on the old pavements of Canterbury) cut to size on site to form the intricate pattern.

The impetus for the building of the labyrinth came from Dr Jan Sellers of the Universities’ Unit for the Enhancement of Learning & Teaching who envisages that the labyrinth “will provide a valuable teaching and learning resource”.

A crescent shaped bank will partially enclose the labyrinth suggesting an amphitheatre and  opportunities for a further use  as a new performance space for the University.