Canterbury Man
A man's body was found in a field near Hollow Lane, Canterbury on 3rd February 2017. It is estimated he had been dead for about 48 hours. He died from natural causes.
It is also believed he may have served in the British Army.
What we know
He did not have any teeth although there is a report that upper dentures were found.
A post-mortem confirmed that he died from heart disease, and it was thought it may have been caused by cirrhosis of the liver, which in turn could have been a result of starvation.
Found with him were an Oyster card (unregistered) purchased in Walthamstow, a book titled 'Clinical Theology: A Theological and Psychological Basis to Clinical Pastoral Care’ by Frank Lake, a decanter and drinking glasses.
A mobile phone and a black suitcase containing some toiletries were also found. No data could be recovered from the phone. He also had a ‘wedding catalogue’ which was addressed to Mandy Martin.
A witness contacted by our volunteers said they had spoken to this man on a handful of occasions, saying they believe him to be English, to have spent time in the Armed Forces, to have separated from his wife and to have been living in the field.
While the area Canterbury Man was found in is now a housing estate, at the time of his death it was a signposted walking route called the Wincheap Footpath, popular with dog walkers.
We also believe he was using the Canterbury East-based homeless shelter, Catching Lives, to access food and support. He is also thought to have visited the Catching Lives bookstore on several occasions.
Description
White European
Height 165cm - 167cm (5ft 4” - 5ft 5”)
Slim build
Short white hair
Full short beard
Blue eyes
Upper dentures
No teeth
Memory joggers from that time…..
Donald Trump had the inauguration of his first term in January that year (20th of the month), while on the 21st of January there was the Women's March Against Trump.
Ed Sheeran’s Shape of You was number 1 in the charts
It was the same month Bernie Ecclestone stood down as the CEO of F1 after 40 years.
Closer to home in Kent, fans were preparing for Busted’s Night Driver tour stop in the county.
Questions you can ask yourself
We’re confident that after all this time, Canterbury Man’s identity can be found thanks to just one person with one piece of information.
You may have elderly family, friends or neighbours who might be able to recall meeting or seeing him in late 2016 or early 2017. If you could share our appeal with them or talk to them about this case, it may jog someone’s memory. The smallest piece of information could solve this case.
Do you recognise this man?
Is the name ‘Mandy Martin’ familiar to you? Is this perhaps you and you were unable to come forward at the time?
Did you volunteer at Catching Lives or its bookshop in Canterbury and meet Canterbury Man?
Do you recognise Canterbury Man as someone you served with in the military?
Do you work with veterans, as it is possible Canterbury Man experienced PTSD and may have been supported by you?
Were you a dog walker in this area, and may have seen or spoken to him?
We believe he may have had connections to Walthamstow. Did you live in/frequently visit this area during this time, and recognise him?
There is always hope, and you could be the person that makes the difference.
No matter how seemingly small the information you have, it really may be the answer we need. Information provided can be submitted anonymously, and submissions will be treated in confidence. Everything we receive will be reviewed by our dedicated team of volunteers. Please do not use this form for emergency assistance in locating a person. Please call 999.