https://britishpilgrimage.orgMy journey is nearing its completion, and so is the work on my interactive map. The Augustinian Abbey at Canterbury is beautifully presented by English Heritage, and with the relics of St Mildred, brought here with her shrine from Thanet-in-Minster, there is a connection to my project. However, my visit to Canterbury (more in my next blog) has, not for the first time, sparked my interest in pilgrimage routes. Pilgrimage badges are on display at the small museum, and the information board at the entrance invites the keen visitor to embark on the “Via Francigena”. The sign instructs: “With St Augustine’s Abbey on your left, continue straight ahead […]” and after 1,800 km – through the North Downs, France, Switzerland and the north of Italy – arrive at the “eternal city of Rome”. With St Augustine’s Abbey on my left, I am tempted…
Modern pilgrimage has various reasons, and the inspiring website of the British Pilgrimage Trust describes pilgrimage as: “A journey with purpose on foot to holy/wholesome/special places.” As a keen walker, nature lover and archaeologist, this is a perfect way to combine visits to beautiful and historically rich places with relaxation and exercise in a sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of travel. It is fascinating how the pilgrimage routes connect the dots on the webmap. My hope is that the background information and the photographs of the various places provide a comprehensive picture of the history and landscapes, and together with the connections through the pilgrimage routes, might inspire more people to travel the pilgrim way.
You can get all details of the routes from: the British Pilgrimage Trust (click link here).
Good luck on your way!
Also, check out the very interesting project ‘Pathways to the Past’ in Lyminge, which created ‘The Royal Saxon Way’ (link here), exploring the history and churches of Anglo-Saxon Queens and Princesses. Another very interesting link can be found here showing the fantastic work of the ‘European Green Pilgrimage Network’.
