Running until 18 August, visitors will be able to delve into Behn’s little-known story to unravel tales of espionage, radical feminism and political bravery during the 1600s.

Behn’s life will be told through The Beaney’s own collection alongside items on loan from The National Archives, The National Portrait Gallery, The National Trust, The Amelia Tunbridge Wells, Kent Libraries and Canterbury Cathedral.

There are also family friendly activities inspired by Aphra Behn’s work as a playwright and spy! Hoist the city basket up to Westgate Towers, take to the stage with costumes and props and explore through interactive tasks in Spymaster!

Born in Harbledown in 1640, Behn was to become one of the most influential dramatists of the late 17th century and was the first woman to make a living as a professional writer in the English language.

Behn spent her early years in Canterbury and the surrounding area. She later began working as a spy for the English Crown during the turbulent political climate of the early 1660s, being sent to Antwerp on a mission by King Charles II and working as a political agent in the Netherlands.

After returning to England, she began to forge her prolific writing career and her first play was staged in 1670, writing at least 18 plays which were performed on the London stage every season for over 50 years.

Canterbury’s Aphra Behn: literature’s best kept secret will be open in The Beaney’s Special Exhibition Gallery until Sunday 18 August 2024 (closed Mondays). Admission is free, with donations encouraged.

This exhibition has been co-designed with collaborators from Canterbury’s Aphra Behn project, including the Centre for Kent History and Heritage, Loughborough University, Canterbury Christ Church University, University of Kent and with support from the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The project celebrates Aphra Behn, Canterbury’s most famous but most forgotten daughter, with a year’s worth of exciting events and activities across the city, including a festival of talks and a special performance of Behn’s play The Amorous Prince by the Canterbury Players. For more information visit: https://www.aphrabehn.org.uk/