The simplistic answer would be the cult of the martyred St Thomas Becket, whose magnificent shrine was the object of veneration and religious pilgrimages from 1220 to 1538.
This would be to ignore Canterbury's role as the mother Church of all England and the seat of the leading Archbishop in the country; it also ignores the magnificence of the building itself which was enough on its own to draw visitors.
Canterbury was also a primary seat of knowledge and learning, based at its two scriptoria (one at the Cathedral Priory and the other at nearby St Augustine's Abbey). Books from all over Europe were taken to Canterbury for copying, preserving texts dating back to the Carolignian and Late Roman era on a very wide range of subjects - Canterbury's monastic library was the envy of all England. A specific "Canterbury school" or style of writing and illumination was developed that allows scholars today to identify the source of texts now held elsewhere (some in Germany, Denmark and the USA) as being the scriptoria at Canterbury; this style influenced other monasteries such as the Cathedral Priory at Rochester.
It is often forgotten that there were also relics of a huge number of other Saints housed at Canterbury cathedral, even before Thomas Becket was sanctified.
Visiting the shrines of Saints was considered a religious virtue and a "credit" in progressing to Heaven. Some people sought miraculous cures for illnesses or deformities; others sought intercession and forgiveness for sins, or some other assistance. Pilgrims flocked to Canterbury in large numbers.
because it holds one of the most famouse historic story: the murder of thomas becket and miracles after
dch;bftyuruj'm :) :D
He shows the corruption of the Catholic church in the middle ages.
Life on a pilgrimage was bad it was long difficult journey's, which were physically dangerous. You could easily injure yourself.
Romanesque, basilica
Canterbury Cathedral
In the Middle Ages, key pilgrimage routes in Britain included the Camino de Santiago, which led to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, and the pilgrimage to Canterbury, made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales." In Europe, prominent routes included the Via Francigena, which connected Canterbury to Rome, and various paths leading to significant sites like Jerusalem and the shrine of St. James in Santiago. Pilgrims often traveled these routes to seek spiritual benefits, healing, or penance. These journeys were vital to medieval spirituality and culture, fostering connections among diverse communities.
One of the most famous people buried at Canterbury is Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury during the 12th century. Becket was murdered in 1170 and later became a saint. His tomb at Canterbury Cathedral became a popular pilgrimage site during the Middle Ages.
There was not a specific place to begin the pilgrimage. It was more about where it would end up. Many in the Middle Ages traveled to Jerusalem. The goal of a pilgrimage was to reach a holy site.
because it holds one of the most famouse historic story: the murder of thomas becket and miracles after
Geoffrey Chaucer is the author of The Canterbury Tales. He is considered one of the greatest English poets of the Middle Ages. The Canterbury Tales is a collection of stories written in Middle English.
dch;bftyuruj'm :) :D
He shows the corruption of the Catholic church in the middle ages.
pilgrimage churches, Romanesque style churches built along pilgrimage routes.
Pilgrimage was important during the Middle Ages as it served as a spiritual journey for individuals seeking to deepen their faith, seek forgiveness, or fulfill a vow. Major pilgrimage sites, such as Jerusalem, Santiago de Compostela, and Canterbury, became centers of religious activity and community, fostering a sense of shared identity among pilgrims. Additionally, these journeys often stimulated local economies and facilitated cultural exchange, as pilgrims traveled through various regions. Overall, pilgrimage was a vital expression of medieval spirituality and social interaction.
Life on a pilgrimage was bad it was long difficult journey's, which were physically dangerous. You could easily injure yourself.
Romanesque, basilica