Where in the world are we?
North Norfolk, England!
2hrs North of London by train to Norwich!
Walsingham – North Norfolk
Within Walsingham – here is ‘The Shrine of Our Lady’
Don’t forget to click on the photos to open them up to see in full size!!
Hanging out in North Norfolk
A short photo tour of our time with family.
Finding ourselves in Walsingham
Having spent time in the region of North Norfolk over the past 20 years, this story is about finding ourselves in Walsingham. It is a small village near the North Sea coast, close to the gentle walking tracks and small fishing ports such as Wells-next-the-Sea.
But first, along the way, a walk at Cromer
On this particular day, we drove up to Cromer and wandered on the coast and the pier, enjoying the very fresh air.
The drive from Cromer to Walsingham
We carried on along the coastal road through Sheringham, Salthouse, one of my favourite places—Cley-next-the-Sea, and on towards Blakneney and to Wells-next-the-Sea.
We turned inland and arrived in the Saxon village of Walsingham with a plan to explore the local abbey and priory.
Lets begin the story of Walsingham
It was already mid-afternoon, so we started at the Shrine of Our Lady. One of two shrines in the village, The Shrine of Our Lady is the Anglican shrine, and the ‘Slipper Chapel’ a Roman Catholic shrine. There are several churches in the town including a Russian Orthodox church, a Methodist church, and a Catholic church. A sign of respect, still carried out by some pilgrims today, is to take off one’s shoes and walk barefoot for the final mile (2.2km) from the Slipper Chapel to the Shrine of Our Lady, sometimes called the Shrine of Mary.
Lets start in the Welcome Centre’
In the ‘Welcome Centre’ we found ourselves drawn to the information boards. These provide fascinating snippets of history on the local area and the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham.
Walsingham is a living shrine, but what of the history?
The welcome boards tell us that in 1061 the widow of the ‘Lord of the Manor of Walsingham Prava’, Lady Richeldis de Faverches, following prayer to undertake some useful work in honour of Mary the Mother of Jesus, had a vision. The Virgin Mother Mary, took Richeldis, in spirit, to Nazareth, to where Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary. They also visited a spring of water bubbling up from under the ground and, under instruction, took measurements to build a replica of the ‘Holy House’ back in Walsingham. After several further visions in Walsingham, Richeldis found the site where the ‘Holy House’ would be constructed. Encountering difficulties with the construction, Richeldis undertook a night of uninterrupted prayer and the following morning the ‘Holy House’ was found to be completed.
Moving out into the gardens
Eventually, having spent a long time reading (which I would highly recommend any visitor to do!), we found ourselves on the grounds and pretty gardens of the abbey where the Shrine Church and the Guild of All Souls Chapel are situated.
The sacredness of the Church
We explored the gardens, the outdoor alter, and then the indoors of both buildings. Within, we were charmed by the beauty and the engaging architecture, the stained-glass windows. and the sanctity of the spiritual nature we felt from within ourselves. We were able to wander freely, sit quietly, and enjoy.
Some fascinating history about this pilgrimage village!
Walsingham became an important centre for pilgrimage and in the 12th century (1153AD), the Augustinians built the priory to house the pilgrims. They encased the ‘Holy House’ in a stone chapel for protection. Great wealth was accumulated from the gifts given by pilgrims seeking healing. Many kings and queens came on pilgrimage to pray at the shrine, including King Henry the III. However, in 1536, King Henry VIII, who had also made the pilgrimage to Walsingham, dissolved the monasteries. In 1538 he had the buildings destroyed, seized valuables to take to London, and burned the precious wooden carved statue of the Madonna, Mary with the infant Jesus on her knee.
It was not until 400 years later, in 1921, that the vicar of the local church St Mary’s, had a replica statue carved out of wood and revived the time-honoured pilgrimage to the village. He raised money and a new church was built on land purchased opposite the priory. When foundations were being laid, a ‘Saxon well’ was discovered, and the water is believed to have healing properties. Within the church, there is a place where you can drink some of this local spring healing water and it is possible to bring some home in a small labelled bottle.
Peace and contemplation
Overall, the feeling at the abbey was surreal in a quiet, contemplative religious/spiritual way. Often called ‘England’s Nazareth’ after Lady Richeldis de Faverches’ vision, our time at the abbey left us appreciating why it has come to rival the best European pilgrimage sites, including Canterbury.
After spending time in the church, we wandered the garden areas exploring nooks and crannies as we went.
Moving out of the Shrine of Our Lady complex towards the Priory!
We wanted to visit the priory so we wandered up the little cobbled street, past the cafes and shops, peering into windows or negotiating our way through the souvenir and gift shops; amazed at the treasures that lay within the ancient rooms with low ceilings and snug narrow doors, built so long ago.
The finale of this visit to the pilgrimage village
By the time we got to the priory gates, we were just a few minutes too late and they were closed. It was with this regret of not seeing the priory that we vowed to return another time to complete our pilgrim’s travel in this most holy village in the North Norfolk countryside.
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