My doctoral research explored the link between the landscape and the pilgrim in Medieval Britain. This has resulted in a dualistic approach; to compare the documentary and archaeological record for pilgrimage within the British Medieval landscape and examine the sensory dialogue with the environment which spiritually nurtures the pilgrim during the journey. This involved the examination of the archaeological record, documentary evidence, and topographical data using four selected sites of pilgrimage within Britain which were gathered through physically walking to these sites from nearby Medieval settlements, using as much of the Medieval road network as possible. Supervisors: Dr Joe Flatman and Professor Andrew Reynolds
This paper examines the phenomenon of 'spiritual' or 'imagined' pilgrimage in Medieval Europe. An... more This paper examines the phenomenon of 'spiritual' or 'imagined' pilgrimage in Medieval Europe. An analysis of the contemplative processes encountered in physical pilgrim travel precedes an examination of the culture of contemplation on Heavenly Jerusalem in both the cloistered and domestic spaces. Labyrinth pavements and devotional images are addressed a tools for spiritual pilgrimage, and the crypt at Hexham Abbey is also briefly addressed. The symbolism of gesture, iconography and the imagination all play a role in the interior journey towards Jerusalem, in both it's physical and heavenly representation, and allowed the Medieval laity to move closed to the sites encountered in biblical scripture without necessarily having to embark in travelling across continents.
This paper examines the emerging archaeology of pilgrimage, with particular attention paid to the... more This paper examines the emerging archaeology of pilgrimage, with particular attention paid to the cult of our Lady of Walsingham. As one of England’s premier pilgrim destinations, rivalling Canterbury at times in popularity, Walsingham was the recipient of many royal and high status visitors, and countless examples from the general laity - thereby forming an excellent case study for pilgrim archaeology. The material record attests to a healthy industry for pilgrim souvenirs, and distribution maps for the ampullae (lead or pewter containers for holy water) and pilgrim badges show a high concentration throughout agricultural communities in central and eastern England, which suggests a potential link between ‘Our Lady’ Marian cults and rural areas. Based on my doctoral research I also present the journey experience from Ely to Walsingham, highlighting sites of particular interest and potential interactions between pilgrim and landscape.
This paper will examine the cult of our Lady of Walsingham, paying special attention to its mater... more This paper will examine the cult of our Lady of Walsingham, paying special attention to its material culture in British cultural landscape, and in the pilgrim’s approach to Walsingham from the West. As one of England’s premier pilgrim destinations, rivalling Canterbury at times in popularity, Walsingham was the recipient of many royal and high status visitors, and countless examples form the lesser laity. The material record attests to a healthy industry for pilgrim souvenirs, and distribution maps for the ampullae (lead or pewter containers for holy water) and pilgrim badges show a high concentration throughout agricultural communities in central and eastern England, which suggests a potential link between ‘Our Lady’ Marian cults and rural areas.
The second half of the paper will deal with the experiences of my fieldwork, travelling between Ely and Walsingham utilising the traces of the Medieval route network, joining with the ‘Walsingham Way’ or ‘Palmers Way’ from London to Walsingham as it enters Norfolk near Brandon. This routes travels up to Fakenham, Castle Acre and Swaffham, finally leading into Walsingham. In this section I will explain my analyses of the landscapes, and explore the sensory elements which may have differentiated the ‘pilgrim’ journey experience to that of a commercial traveller.
During the medieval period pilgrimage formed one of the most popular methods of displaying devoti... more During the medieval period pilgrimage formed one of the most popular methods of displaying devotion, and also offered an opportunity for veneration, as well but as travel. Martin Locker’s doctoral research addresses the journeying aspect of pilgrimage in the medieval British context, focussing on the practicalities of devotional and the extended dialogue between pilgrim and landscape. Four case studies form the bulk of this research, including Walsingham Priory in Norfolk, Winchester in Hampshire, the Cult of St Winefride at Holywell in Flintshire, and finally Bodmin Priory in Cornwall. One of the questions to arise from this area of research relates to pilgrim souvenirs, their distribution and in certain cases distinct lack of presence within the archaeological record in defined cultural contexts. Dr Michael Lewis’ research has dealt extensively with the Portable Antiquities Scheme data for pilgrim souvenirs and revealed intriguing distribution patterns relating to the medieval landscapes of Britain. Here both Locker & Lewis combine their research to produce some suggestions as to how the data can be applied to reveal more about the role of the pilgrim souvenir within the medieval landscape both during and after pilgrimage, focussing on Walsingham, Holywell, and several more localised English saint cults.
During the reign of Edward II, one of the greatest magnates Thomas of Lancaster was captured at B... more During the reign of Edward II, one of the greatest magnates Thomas of Lancaster was captured at Boroughbridge and subsequently executed on grounds of treason in 1322. Within weeks of his death Thomas became a symbol of resistance against the king, popularly declared ‘the upholder of ancient liberties against a new-fangled tyranny’ (Wilkinson,1969, 127). Miracles occurred at his tomb in the priory church at Pontefract, and the king swiftly closed the site hoping to avert the inception of an anti-royal cult. However, weeping crowds started to convene at the site of Thomas’ execution, combined with more miracles claimed on his behalf, and demands were being made for official recognition of this unofficial saint. Despite its origins as a relatively local cult in the Leicester region, it briefly a rallying point for all adversely affected by Edward II’s governance style, and tokens and souvenirs bearing St Thomas’ image were found as far afield as London. This paper will explore the growth of the cult in terms of spiritual influence and material culture, how it became a figurehead for those disenchanted with monarchic rule, and the manner in which it was defused and skilfully suppressed with by Edward II’s successor Edward III – effectively ending a struggle for hearts and minds between the king and the memory of an unofficial saint or folk hero.
My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britai... more My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britain. Whilst the domain of ‘Pilgrim Studies’ has recently garnered more attention, there are a lack of landscape based approaches which explore the travelling aspect of the pilgrim journey and the interaction between pilgrim and landscape. In this paper I shall examine the cult of St Winefride, her 7th century pilgrim centre in Holywell known as the Lourdes of Wales, and the landscape sensory experience for a pilgrim arriving from St Asaph, fourteen miles to the south west. St Winefride’s Well in Holywell is reputed to have received a steady flow of pilgrims since its founding in the 7th century, which would make the well the oldest site of continuous pilgrimage in Britain. The area possesses several free standing crosses and religious houses, as well as dramatic topography which would have impacted upon the pilgrim in a variety of ways (including liminal zones, legibility of the landscape etc). The data and interpretations are based primarily on the findings of my fieldwork in the area.
My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britai... more My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britain. Whilst the domain of ‘Pilgrim Studies’ has recently garnered more attention, there are a lack of landscape based approaches which explore the travelling aspect of the pilgrim journey and the interaction between pilgrim and landscape. Pilgrimage in the Medieval period was not a formalised affair, and whilst prescribed pilgrim routes did exist (such as the ‘Walsingham Way’), they were the exception rather than the rule, with most pilgrims embarking on their journey from doorstep to shrine using the existing Medieval road network ( a combination of Prehistoric trackways, Roman roads and ‘newer’ Medieval tracks, roads and trading routes). Consequently I shall be looking at possible methods of travel between 8 origin points and 8 nearby cult centres, the surviving archaeological record relating to pilgrimage, and the physical and mental interactive processes which may have taken place between pilgrim and landscape in between (including liminal zones, elevation points, environment legibility etc).
In this paper I shall present my findings concerning the route between Ely to Walsingham. Walsingham was known prior to the Reformation as ‘England’s Nazareth’, and received many thousands of pilgrims each year. The Medieval landscape in between was a mixture of un-drained fens and upland areas, which offered specific routes across causeways and an usually flat topography allowing for visual reference between sites, as well as interaction with major ecclesiastical sites such as Castle Acre and Ely Cathedral. I will present the results of my fieldwork, and examine the sensory aspects of a journey in such a landscape within the broader context of my research.
This paper examines the phenomenon of 'spiritual' or 'imagined' pilgrimage in Medieval Europe. An... more This paper examines the phenomenon of 'spiritual' or 'imagined' pilgrimage in Medieval Europe. An analysis of the contemplative processes encountered in physical pilgrim travel precedes an examination of the culture of contemplation on Heavenly Jerusalem in both the cloistered and domestic spaces. Labyrinth pavements and devotional images are addressed a tools for spiritual pilgrimage, and the crypt at Hexham Abbey is also briefly addressed. The symbolism of gesture, iconography and the imagination all play a role in the interior journey towards Jerusalem, in both it's physical and heavenly representation, and allowed the Medieval laity to move closed to the sites encountered in biblical scripture without necessarily having to embark in travelling across continents.
This paper examines the emerging archaeology of pilgrimage, with particular attention paid to the... more This paper examines the emerging archaeology of pilgrimage, with particular attention paid to the cult of our Lady of Walsingham. As one of England’s premier pilgrim destinations, rivalling Canterbury at times in popularity, Walsingham was the recipient of many royal and high status visitors, and countless examples from the general laity - thereby forming an excellent case study for pilgrim archaeology. The material record attests to a healthy industry for pilgrim souvenirs, and distribution maps for the ampullae (lead or pewter containers for holy water) and pilgrim badges show a high concentration throughout agricultural communities in central and eastern England, which suggests a potential link between ‘Our Lady’ Marian cults and rural areas. Based on my doctoral research I also present the journey experience from Ely to Walsingham, highlighting sites of particular interest and potential interactions between pilgrim and landscape.
This paper will examine the cult of our Lady of Walsingham, paying special attention to its mater... more This paper will examine the cult of our Lady of Walsingham, paying special attention to its material culture in British cultural landscape, and in the pilgrim’s approach to Walsingham from the West. As one of England’s premier pilgrim destinations, rivalling Canterbury at times in popularity, Walsingham was the recipient of many royal and high status visitors, and countless examples form the lesser laity. The material record attests to a healthy industry for pilgrim souvenirs, and distribution maps for the ampullae (lead or pewter containers for holy water) and pilgrim badges show a high concentration throughout agricultural communities in central and eastern England, which suggests a potential link between ‘Our Lady’ Marian cults and rural areas.
The second half of the paper will deal with the experiences of my fieldwork, travelling between Ely and Walsingham utilising the traces of the Medieval route network, joining with the ‘Walsingham Way’ or ‘Palmers Way’ from London to Walsingham as it enters Norfolk near Brandon. This routes travels up to Fakenham, Castle Acre and Swaffham, finally leading into Walsingham. In this section I will explain my analyses of the landscapes, and explore the sensory elements which may have differentiated the ‘pilgrim’ journey experience to that of a commercial traveller.
During the medieval period pilgrimage formed one of the most popular methods of displaying devoti... more During the medieval period pilgrimage formed one of the most popular methods of displaying devotion, and also offered an opportunity for veneration, as well but as travel. Martin Locker’s doctoral research addresses the journeying aspect of pilgrimage in the medieval British context, focussing on the practicalities of devotional and the extended dialogue between pilgrim and landscape. Four case studies form the bulk of this research, including Walsingham Priory in Norfolk, Winchester in Hampshire, the Cult of St Winefride at Holywell in Flintshire, and finally Bodmin Priory in Cornwall. One of the questions to arise from this area of research relates to pilgrim souvenirs, their distribution and in certain cases distinct lack of presence within the archaeological record in defined cultural contexts. Dr Michael Lewis’ research has dealt extensively with the Portable Antiquities Scheme data for pilgrim souvenirs and revealed intriguing distribution patterns relating to the medieval landscapes of Britain. Here both Locker & Lewis combine their research to produce some suggestions as to how the data can be applied to reveal more about the role of the pilgrim souvenir within the medieval landscape both during and after pilgrimage, focussing on Walsingham, Holywell, and several more localised English saint cults.
During the reign of Edward II, one of the greatest magnates Thomas of Lancaster was captured at B... more During the reign of Edward II, one of the greatest magnates Thomas of Lancaster was captured at Boroughbridge and subsequently executed on grounds of treason in 1322. Within weeks of his death Thomas became a symbol of resistance against the king, popularly declared ‘the upholder of ancient liberties against a new-fangled tyranny’ (Wilkinson,1969, 127). Miracles occurred at his tomb in the priory church at Pontefract, and the king swiftly closed the site hoping to avert the inception of an anti-royal cult. However, weeping crowds started to convene at the site of Thomas’ execution, combined with more miracles claimed on his behalf, and demands were being made for official recognition of this unofficial saint. Despite its origins as a relatively local cult in the Leicester region, it briefly a rallying point for all adversely affected by Edward II’s governance style, and tokens and souvenirs bearing St Thomas’ image were found as far afield as London. This paper will explore the growth of the cult in terms of spiritual influence and material culture, how it became a figurehead for those disenchanted with monarchic rule, and the manner in which it was defused and skilfully suppressed with by Edward II’s successor Edward III – effectively ending a struggle for hearts and minds between the king and the memory of an unofficial saint or folk hero.
My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britai... more My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britain. Whilst the domain of ‘Pilgrim Studies’ has recently garnered more attention, there are a lack of landscape based approaches which explore the travelling aspect of the pilgrim journey and the interaction between pilgrim and landscape. In this paper I shall examine the cult of St Winefride, her 7th century pilgrim centre in Holywell known as the Lourdes of Wales, and the landscape sensory experience for a pilgrim arriving from St Asaph, fourteen miles to the south west. St Winefride’s Well in Holywell is reputed to have received a steady flow of pilgrims since its founding in the 7th century, which would make the well the oldest site of continuous pilgrimage in Britain. The area possesses several free standing crosses and religious houses, as well as dramatic topography which would have impacted upon the pilgrim in a variety of ways (including liminal zones, legibility of the landscape etc). The data and interpretations are based primarily on the findings of my fieldwork in the area.
My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britai... more My research focuses on reconstructing pilgrim travel and landscape interaction in Medieval Britain. Whilst the domain of ‘Pilgrim Studies’ has recently garnered more attention, there are a lack of landscape based approaches which explore the travelling aspect of the pilgrim journey and the interaction between pilgrim and landscape. Pilgrimage in the Medieval period was not a formalised affair, and whilst prescribed pilgrim routes did exist (such as the ‘Walsingham Way’), they were the exception rather than the rule, with most pilgrims embarking on their journey from doorstep to shrine using the existing Medieval road network ( a combination of Prehistoric trackways, Roman roads and ‘newer’ Medieval tracks, roads and trading routes). Consequently I shall be looking at possible methods of travel between 8 origin points and 8 nearby cult centres, the surviving archaeological record relating to pilgrimage, and the physical and mental interactive processes which may have taken place between pilgrim and landscape in between (including liminal zones, elevation points, environment legibility etc).
In this paper I shall present my findings concerning the route between Ely to Walsingham. Walsingham was known prior to the Reformation as ‘England’s Nazareth’, and received many thousands of pilgrims each year. The Medieval landscape in between was a mixture of un-drained fens and upland areas, which offered specific routes across causeways and an usually flat topography allowing for visual reference between sites, as well as interaction with major ecclesiastical sites such as Castle Acre and Ely Cathedral. I will present the results of my fieldwork, and examine the sensory aspects of a journey in such a landscape within the broader context of my research.
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The second half of the paper will deal with the experiences of my fieldwork, travelling between Ely and Walsingham utilising the traces of the Medieval route network, joining with the ‘Walsingham Way’ or ‘Palmers Way’ from London to Walsingham as it enters Norfolk near Brandon. This routes travels up to Fakenham, Castle Acre and Swaffham, finally leading into Walsingham. In this section I will explain my analyses of the landscapes, and explore the sensory elements which may have differentiated the ‘pilgrim’ journey experience to that of a commercial traveller.
In this paper I shall present my findings concerning the route between Ely to Walsingham. Walsingham was known prior to the Reformation as ‘England’s Nazareth’, and received many thousands of pilgrims each year. The Medieval landscape in between was a mixture of un-drained fens and upland areas, which offered specific routes across causeways and an usually flat topography allowing for visual reference between sites, as well as interaction with major ecclesiastical sites such as Castle Acre and Ely Cathedral. I will present the results of my fieldwork, and examine the sensory aspects of a journey in such a landscape within the broader context of my research.
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Books by Martin Locker
The second half of the paper will deal with the experiences of my fieldwork, travelling between Ely and Walsingham utilising the traces of the Medieval route network, joining with the ‘Walsingham Way’ or ‘Palmers Way’ from London to Walsingham as it enters Norfolk near Brandon. This routes travels up to Fakenham, Castle Acre and Swaffham, finally leading into Walsingham. In this section I will explain my analyses of the landscapes, and explore the sensory elements which may have differentiated the ‘pilgrim’ journey experience to that of a commercial traveller.
In this paper I shall present my findings concerning the route between Ely to Walsingham. Walsingham was known prior to the Reformation as ‘England’s Nazareth’, and received many thousands of pilgrims each year. The Medieval landscape in between was a mixture of un-drained fens and upland areas, which offered specific routes across causeways and an usually flat topography allowing for visual reference between sites, as well as interaction with major ecclesiastical sites such as Castle Acre and Ely Cathedral. I will present the results of my fieldwork, and examine the sensory aspects of a journey in such a landscape within the broader context of my research.