The Canterbury Pilgrimage, History
Jaison Chacko
The Canterbury pilgrimage is a famous religious journey undertaken by Christian pilgrims to the Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, England, to pay homage to the martyred Saint Thomas Becket. The pilgrimage has a rich history that spans several centuries and has been immortalized in literature by Geoffrey Chaucer in his renowned work, The Canterbury Tales.”
The construction of the Canterbury Cathedral began in 1070 and was completed in the early 12th century. The Cathedral is renowned for its exquisite architecture and is considered one of the most significant examples of English Gothic architecture. The Cathedral was built to commemorate the murder of Saint Alphege, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was martyred by Danish raiders in 1012.”
St. Alphege, the Archbishop of Canterbury, was taken captive by Danish raiders in 1011 and held for ransom. When he refused to pay the demanded sum, he was brutally beaten and eventually killed. St. Alphege is considered a martyr and his death is commemorated in the Anglican Church calendar. The murder of St. Alphege is another example of the turbulent social and political situation in England during the Middle Ages and the sometimes-violent conflicts between different groups and factions.”
During the time of the Canterbury pilgrimage, England was in a state of political and social upheaval. The country was ruled by a succession of powerful monarchs, and the church played a significant role in the country’s governance. The Church owned vast tracts of land and wielded considerable political power, making it one of the most influential institutions in England.
The Churches and monasteries during this time were magnificent structures that displayed the wealth and power of the Church. The Archbishop of Canterbury was the highest-ranking church official in England, and the position was held by many notable individuals, including the likes of Thomas Wolsey, Cardinal Reginald Pole, and William Laud. The Popes of the time played a significant role in the religious affairs of England, with many Popes intervening in the appointment of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Thomas Beckett was appointed as the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162 by King Henry II of England. Beckett and the king were once close friends, but their relationship turned sour after Beckett was appointed as the Archbishop. Beckett took his role as the defender of the church seriously and clashed with the king on several issues, particularly on the question of the authority of the church.
The discord between the king and Beckett reached its peak when the Archbishop excommunicated several of the king’s loyal supporters. In a fit of rage, the king is said to have uttered the infamous words, “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest?” Four knights took these words as an order to kill Beckett and murdered him in the Cathedral on December 29, 1170.
The murder of Thomas Beckett caused a sensation throughout England and Europe, with many regarding him as a martyr for the Church. Beckett was canonized by the Pope in 1173, and his shrine in the Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site.
The Canterbury pilgrimage was popularized by Geoffrey Chaucer in his work, The Canterbury Tales. Chaucer’s work portrays a group of pilgrims traveling to the Canterbury Cathedral, each with their unique story to tell. The pilgrimage became a significant event in medieval England, with thousands of people undertaking the journey each year.
The Canterbury pilgrimage has inspired many literary works, including T. S. Eliot’s play, Murder in the Cathedral. The play dramatizes the events leading up to the murder of Saint Thomas Beckett and portrays the conflict between the church and the state.
The Pilgrims’ Way is a historic pilgrimage route that runs from Winchester to the famous cathedral city of Canterbury in the south of England. This ancient route, also known as the Canterbury Way or the Pilgrim’s Trail, is said to have been used by pilgrims since prehistoric times, but it became particularly popular in the Middle Ages after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. The route was then established as one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Europe, and it is still used today by walkers and hikers who wish to follow in the footsteps of their medieval predecessors.
The Pilgrims’ Way covers a distance of around 120 miles (193 km) and takes walkers through some of the most picturesque landscapes in southern England. The route starts in Winchester, the former capital of England and the site of one of the country’s most impressive cathedrals. From there, it passes through the rolling hills of the South Downs, the historic market town of Guildford, and the lush countryside of the North Downs before finally arriving in Canterbury, home to the famous cathedral where the murdered Archbishop Becket is buried. Along the way, walkers can enjoy stunning views, explore historic towns and villages, and experience the rich cultural heritage of this ancient pilgrimage
The Canterbury pilgrimage continued to be popular throughout the Reformation, a period of religious upheaval that saw the Church of England break away from the Roman Catholic Church. The Reformation led to the closure of many monasteries and shrines, including the shrine of Saint Thomas Beckett in the Canterbury Cathedral.
Despite these changes, the Canterbury Cathedral remained a magnificent structure that continued to attract visitors from all over the world. In modern times, the pilgrimage to Canterbury has regained popularity, with many people undertaking the journey as a spiritual quest or to learn more about the history and culture of England.
Canterbury Cathedral is a historic and iconic religious building located in the city of Canterbury, Kent, England. The cathedral is one of the oldest and most famous religious buildings in the United Kingdom, with a rich history dating back over 1,400 years.
The cathedral is situated on a hill in the center of the city of Canterbury, surrounded by lush greenery and a picturesque landscape. The cathedral is surrounded by the ruins of St. Augustine’s Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and St. Martin’s Church, which is the oldest church in the English-speaking world. The area surrounding the cathedral is also known for its charming medieval streets and buildings, which attract tourists from all over the world.
The clergy at Canterbury Cathedral is led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is considered the spiritual leader of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion. The current Archbishop of Canterbury is Justin Welby, who was appointed in 2013.
Canterbury Cathedral offers daily services, including morning prayer, evensong, and a Eucharist service on Sundays. The cathedral is open to visitors for tours and services, and is a popular destination for religious pilgrims and tourists alike.
The cathedral is also known for its role in the history of Christianity, particularly as the site of the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170, which led to the cathedral becoming a place of pilgrimage. Today, visitors can walk the historic pilgrim’s route to the cathedral, which starts in London and spans over 100 miles.
Canterbury Cathedral is controlled by a chapter of clergy, which is responsible for the day-to-day management and maintenance of the cathedral. The income of the cathedral is derived from a variety of sources, including donations, ticket sales, and grants.
In conclusion, Canterbury Cathedral is a magnificent and historic religious building that holds a significant place in the history of Christianity. The cathedral’s beautiful location, rich history, and important role in the Church of England make it a must-see destination for religious pilgrims and tourists alike.
