Founded in the 6th century - although most of the spiky Gothic building dates from later in the Middle Ages - it has been an important place of Christian pilgrimage since Archbishop of Canterbury Thomas Becket was murdered here in 1170 by knights loyal to King Henry II.ĭean of Canterbury Robert Willis said music has been sung in the cathedral since it was founded - first by monks, then by a choir of men and boys set up more than 1,000 years ago. Tradition is especially important at Canterbury, about 60 miles (100 kilometres) southeast of London, whose archbishop heads the Anglican church. Singing girls have their opponents, too, including one group called the Campaign for the Traditional Cathedral Choir, set up to 'champion the ancient tradition of the all-male choir.' Anglicans are still seeking an elusive consensus on the divisive issues of female bishops and gay clergy. Female voices have occasionally been heard in Canterbury Cathedral as part of visiting choirs.īut they still attract notice in an institution that values its traditions and changes slowly. Girls' choirs are not a complete novelty in the Church of England - Salisbury Cathedral established one in the 1990s and several other cathedrals have followed. 'You are making music with girls that are as passionate as you are.' 'We've had to learn it quite quickly, but it's just so fun to be in here you don't really think about that,' said Cox. Unlike members of the Canterbury boys' choir, who live at the cathedral and rehearse every day, the girls come together just once a week.ĭespite their limited rehearsal time, choir director David Newsholme said the girls are focused and enthusiastic about the psalms, anthems and responses they have to learn. The choristers attend several local schools and were chosen at auditions in November. 'I've always liked singing, but I think this is the major event that has happened in my life and I'm so excited to be part of it.'

'That's an amazing thought in the back of your mind - no girl has sung in this cathedral over an amazingly long period of time,' said 12-year-old choir member Abby Cox.

That is not lost on the 16 girls, aged between 12 and 16, who have been chosen to make this bit of history.

Who sings a thousand years