Many speak of observing the Christmas holidays with a return to more traditional or spiritual celebrations, but one man is taking that to heart by going on a medieval pilgrimage across England. He is living and traveling as they did in the 14th century, on foot, using only period clothing and equipment. His mission has even received the blessing of the Pope.
Steven Payne, a former physics teacher is recreating a 700-year-old pilgrim’s journey, and has set off from Southampton's Mayflower Park to Canterbury on foot, carrying with him only the clothing and items they would have had in the 14th century. The journey is expected to take him two weeks, during which he will be crossing England, and sleeping out in the elements or in structures built around 1365, with “only a woolen cloak for protection and a venison pie from a medieval recipe” reports BBC News.
Steven Payne: Seen here, all Payne’s clothing and equipment have been crafted as they were in 1365. (Photo: Steven Payne)
His path is expected to take him to Canterbury Cathedral on Christmas Day, with the journey ending on December 29.
Retracing Medieval Steps
Payne’s pilgrimage will retrace the route taken by Coluccio de Carrara, a 13th century Italian teacher who started on the same day in 1365 after sailing from Florence and arriving in Southampton by ship.