The Study On Medieval Canterbury Pilgrimage

Canterbury pilgrimage was one of the most important parts in the MedievalEngland church. Although pilgrimage played an important part in early EuropeanChristianity, pilgrimage did not develop into mass pilgrimage until eleventh century.And in England, until1170, St. Thomas Becket was killed by four knights of Henry II,Canterbury has become the goal of pilgrims. In the Canterbury Cathedral whereconsecrated Thomas Becket martyrs, people begged to Thomas Becket martyrs formaterial and psychic assistance by pilgrimage. After the translation of St. Thomas’srelic in1220, the pilgrimage time and route became stability, and brought greatinfluence to city scale, economic development and culture spread.This essay will focus on discussing the origin, developing and influence ofCanterbury pilgrimage, in order to deepen the study of medieval pilgrimage, as wellas provide wider view on medieval pilgrimage.This essay can be divided as five parts; The first part will illustrate centuries-oldreligious tradition and favorable geographical location of Canterbury.The second partwill demonstrate historical origin of Canterbury pilgrimage’s establishment.The thirdpart will discuss the reasons on flourishment of Canterbury pilgrimage.Then theimpact of Canterbury pilgrimage will be mentioned in the forth parts.The last part willsketch the factors that are contributed to Canterbury pilgrimage declined.