The Dane John Gardens in Canterbury are a historic landmark dating back to the 12th century, but their food history is connected with the evolution of the city itself. Given its significance in medieval England, especially after the murder of Thomas Becket in 1170, Canterbury became a pilgrimage site and a hub for various cultural exchanges. As people from across Europe visited, they brought with them their culinary traditions, which mingled with local Kentish fare.
Canterbury and the surrounding region of Kent are known for an abundance of local produce like apples, cherries, and hops, influencing the local cuisine. The area is also coastal, providing a variety of seafood. Over the centuries, Dane John Gardens would have witnessed the evolution of English cuisine, from medieval pottage and ales to modern British gastronomy with global influences.