Landscapes of Pilgrimage in Medieval Britain

Description

This book seeks to address the journeying context of pilgrimage within the landscapes of Medieval Britain. Using four case studies, an interdisciplinary methodology developed by the author is applied to four different geographical and cultural areas of Britain (Norfolk, Wiltshire/Hampshire, Flintshire/Denbighshire and Cornwall), to investigate the practicalities of travel along the Medieval road network including the routes themselves, accommodation, the built environments and natural topographies encountered. An introduction, assessment of current theory and scholarship is provided, followed by an explanation of the methodology used. The four case studies are then presented (Ely to Walsingham, Salisbury to Winchester, St Asaph to Holywell, and Camelford to Bodmin). Within each case study, both the selected starting point for the pilgrimage (typically either a locale confirmed in the historical record as linked to the pilgrim destination, or a settlement of some significance within the local area and thus well connected to the route network), and the site of the saint cult itself are analysed for their growth, reaction and accommodation to the pilgrim phenomenon. Also addressed are the route networks of the county as a whole, relationships to economic centres and their impact on travel possibilities, the topography, the distribution patterns for saint dedications in parish churches within the area, material culture and the ecclesiastical built environment (for example pilgrim badges, monasteries), and the physical landscapes through which the pilgrim travels. Here, the interaction between the pilgrim and the environments through which they move is addressed. Considerations include fatigue, exertion, panoramas and way-finding, route visibility, sight lines to monuments, folklore within the landscape, and the potential echoing of Christian scriptural motifs within certain landscape types/features (e.g. wilderness and sanctuary). Table of Contents Chapter 1: The Purpose and the Pilgrim Chapter 2: The Pilgrim's Presence in Scholarship Chapter 3: Ely to Walsingham Chapter 4: Salisbury to Winchester Chapter 5: St Asaph to Holywell Chapter 6: Camelford to Bodmin Chapter 7: Responses, the Pilgrim Experience and Cultural Comparisons Bibliography Appendix A: Shortlist of Data Recorded for Each Case Study Appendix B: Detailed Maps of the Route Taken for Each Case Study Appendix C: Digitised Data Sheets Recorded for Each Site Appendix D: Individual Surviving Pre-Reformation Church Dedications Appendix E: Religious houses in Norfolk, Wiltshire, Hampshire, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Cornwall, as recorded by Knowles & Hadock in 'Religious Houses of England & Wales' (1953) Appendix F: Catalogue of Ampullae from Portable Antiquities Scheme Database with Motifs Relating to Walsingham Appendix G: Catalogue of Pilgrim Badges from Portable Antiquities Scheme Database with Motifs Definitely Relating to Walsingham (Excluding the London Waterfront Cluster)