An urban explorer captures the Canterbury skyline from a unique perspective

by Jamie Bullen

An urban explorer has been branded “stupid” after climbing Canterbury Cathedral in the dead of night to take these photographs.

The risk taker stunned Cathedral bosses this week when pictures emerged of him at the top of the ancient landmark.

He has since refused to reveal his identity.

The snaps have been posted on the urban explorers website 28 Days Later, which is a forum for people to share experiences, reports and photographs.

In his report on climbing the Cathedral, the explorer said he was surprised at how “relaxed” it was to break into the grounds.

He wrote: “I’ve been stalking the precincts for some time, eyeing it up and assessing potential options of getting up it.

“The problems mainly being that there always seemed to be people around and the obvious way up was floodlit to within an inch of its life.

“After a number of visits I was in danger of taking the ‘six Ps’ rule too far and it was time just to crack on and have a go.

“I need not have worried, I’m pleased to report that there does come a time of day when everyone goes to bed and they switch the floodlights off.

“The whole venture, from the point of actually getting into the precinct grounds, and the method of doing so, to getting back out again, was an experience I won’t forget, and it turned out to be quite a relaxed affair, all told.

“There’s something special about getting up this close to such an historic building, and being able to touch and see bits of it from a perspective few people ever will get to.”

Cathedral spokesman Chris Robinson said he had not seen the pictures before being alerted to them.

He said: “Climbing in the dark without suitable equipment is very dangerous and stupid. It should not be copied.”

Police spokesman Jon Green said it was unlikely a criminal offence had been committed and any trespass would be a civil matter.