Medieval Pilgrimage
Pilgrimage, a journey to a holy place, was an important part of medieval Christian life. In England alone there were hundreds if not thousands of pilgrimage sites, of which the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral was one of the most popular. Click the buttons below to discover more about the practice of medieval pilgrimage.
Use the buttons below to explore more aspects of pilgrimage. Red links in the text provide access to glossary definitions. Images can be enlarged or saved by hovering over and choosing the relevant option.
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Why Did People Go On Pilgrimage?
Why did medieval people go on pilgrimage? Learn more about the many reasons and motivations.
Pilgrimage Destinations in England
Find out more about some of the many destinations for medieval pilgrimage in England, including Canterbury, Durham, Glastonbury and York.
Shrines of Saints
Discover more about the medieval shrines that were built to house saints' remains and relics, and why they were so important for pilgrimage.
The Experience at the Shrine
Medieval documents tell us much about what medieval pilgrims encountered once they had reached their destination.
Pilgrim Souvenirs
Medieval pilgrims kept souvenirs of their journeys and experiences - often in the form of manufactured pilgrim badges.
