Last week, the latest of The Salisbury Museum’s regular lectures was given by Dawn Champion, Head of Community Engagement at the British Pilgrimage Trust.
A Historian, and Pilgrim, her enthusiasm was obvious and infectious, and had the uninitiated in the audience re-evaluating the whole idea of “going for a walk”.
Most of us know that walking is good for us, the brain, as well as the body, reacts positively. We read, or are told, that regular walking stimulates the release of endorphins, often referred to as “feel-good” hormones, which can alleviate symptoms of depression, reduce stress levels, and improve overall mood.
Dawn referred frequently to intention. Pilgrimages were, still are in may countries, to do with religion, but to walk with intent, to enjoy the history, heritage and environment can be spiritual as well, as can the act of walking in the footsteps of others from other times.
During the talk, we saw sites (and wonderful views) from ancient routes still walked today, here and abroad. We heard about people who, on guided walks with Dawn, have discovered something which has chimed with them and was helpful to them.
There were lots of questions at the end which added much, and several about the Medieval pilgrim badges, of which the museum has a great many. One man in the audience was able to answer a question about how they were worn by holding up his hat!
Click on the link above to go to the Pilgrimage Trust website, and be sure to look at news of their book, here.
And you might like to read (or re-read) Alan Crooks’ blog item on the museum collection of pilgrim badges, and related matters, from a few years ago
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