'Canterbury' is named for the eleventh century Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, England where Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170.

The plant has a lax, rounded growing habit and dark green leaves.

[1] David C. H. Austin (1926–2018) was an award-winning rose breeder, nursery owner and writer from Shropshire, England.

When he was young, he was attracted to the beauty of old garden roses, especially the Gallicas, the Centifolias and the Damasks, which were popular in nineteenth century France.

Austin attained international commercial success with his new rose varieties.