Incorporated: 1741
Population: 2,222
County Name: Merrimack
(county map)
Town Contact:
Town of Canterbury
PO Box 500
Canterbury, NH 03224

Phone: 603-783-9955
Fax: 603-783-0501
Website: Not Available

Origin:
First granted in 1727, the town was named for William Wake, Archbishop of Canterbury. Canterbury in England is famous for its cathedral, and for being the center of English Christianity since 597 AD. The town was originally a fort or trading post where the Penacook Indians came to trade. Canterbury was home to the last colony of Shakers, and the Canterbury Shaker Village is now a museum.

More about Canterbury:
The biggest attraction in Canterbury is the historic Shaker Village. Founded in 1969 to preserve the heritage of the Canterbury Shakers, Canterbury Shaker Village is an internationally-known, non-profit museum and historic site with 25 original Shaker buildings, three reconstructed Shaker buildings and 694 acres of forests, fields, gardens and mill ponds under permanent conservation easement.

Designated a National Historic Landmark for its architectural integrity and significance, Canterbury Shaker Village is dedicated to preserving the 200-year legacy of the Canterbury Shakers and to providing a place for learning, reflection and renewal of the human spirit.