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Walsingham: Pilgrims and Pilgrimage
A new edition of Fr Michael Rear’s definitive book, originally published to celebrate the 950th anniversary of the foundation of the Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham. Michael Rear is uniquely qualified to write this book. His experience of many years of ministry in Walsingham, together with his meticulous research, fluent style of writing and choice of illustrations in the 32 pages of colour and 16 pages of black and white illustrations have combined to produce what will certainly become the standard work on pilgrims and pilgrimage to the Holy Land of Walsingham. This comprehensive work begins with the pre-Christian era and is brought through triumph and tragedy right up to the present day. In an exciting new development the book chronicles the recent re-discovery of the mediaeval image of Our Lady crowned by King Henry III and dating to 1220-1230.
- GenresCatholic
422 pages, Paperback
Published May 10, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
September 18, 2026
I’ve read the book. Now I want to visit the place.
A useful and enjoyable history of Walsingham, punctuated by some beautiful medieval prayers and ballads. It can be a little dry and perhaps overlong, but Rear’s affection for his subject is obvious throughout.
I particularly enjoyed Henry being Henry, but the efforts to re-establish the shrine stayed with me most. They made me think more seriously about Mary’s importance to the faithful and gave me a new appreciation for Walsingham’s attempts to bring the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions closer together.
Not a page-turner, nor is it meant to be. I now understand the shrine, pilgrimage and Walsingham’s place in the faith far better than before.
Recommended grounding for anyone visiting, pilgrim or tourist.
A useful and enjoyable history of Walsingham, punctuated by some beautiful medieval prayers and ballads. It can be a little dry and perhaps overlong, but Rear’s affection for his subject is obvious throughout.
I particularly enjoyed Henry being Henry, but the efforts to re-establish the shrine stayed with me most. They made me think more seriously about Mary’s importance to the faithful and gave me a new appreciation for Walsingham’s attempts to bring the Anglican and Roman Catholic traditions closer together.
Not a page-turner, nor is it meant to be. I now understand the shrine, pilgrimage and Walsingham’s place in the faith far better than before.
Recommended grounding for anyone visiting, pilgrim or tourist.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review