Pilgrimage was a central feature of medieval English life which affected history, politics, art and literature. The shrines were destroyed during the Reformation and pilgrimage stopped, yet the idea of pilgrimage continued - refashioned - in Protestant theology and in the exploration of the newly discovered world. By reaching beyond the Reformation to explore the transformation of the idea of the pilgrim in Protestant spirituality, this book confronts the religious experience of the English laity over half a millennium. The attractions for pilgrims of journeys to Jerusalem and to Canterbury and other English religious shrines are considered, while the political aspects of pilgrimage are discussed in relation to the architectural, documentary and pictorial evidence for the expression of lay piety in late medieval England. The cult of St Thomas of Canterbury is studied in particular detail, up to the suppression and in the revival of the cult in the sixteenth century.

Pilgrimage was a central feature of medieval English life which affected history, politics, art and literature. The shrines were destroyed during the Reformation and pilgrimage stopped, yet the idea of pilgrimage continued--refashioned - in Protestant theology. By reaching beyond the Reformation to explore the transformation of the idea of the pilgrim, this book confronts the religious experience of the English laity over half a millennium. In a series of ground-breaking studies the contributors challenge many orthodox assumptions about English pilgrims and their history.

The tomb of Christ at Jerusalem was a vital influence in the making of Western Europe. Pilgrimage there influenced the development of society and its structures. The desire to "bring the Sepulchre to the West" in copies or memorials shaped art and religion, while the ambition to control Christ's tomb was a central objective of the crusades. Western Europe responded to the loss of Jerusalem by creating a new pilgrimage to the East, by making kingdoms "holy lands" for their subjects, and by creating new pilgrim centers at home. This book brings together social, political, and religious themes often considered in isolation.

The tomb of Christ at Jerusalem was a vital influence in the making of Western Europe. Pilgrimage there influenced the development of society and its structures. The desire to "bring the Sepulchre to the West" in copies or memorials shaped art and religion, while the ambition to control Christ's tomb was a central objective of the crusades. Western Europe responded to the loss of Jerusalem by creating a new pilgrimage to the East, by making kingdoms "holy lands" for their subjects, and by creating new pilgrim centers at home. This book brings together social, political, and religious themes often considered in isolation.

The two centuries covered in this volume were among the most creative in the history of the Church. Colin Morris charts the emergence of much that is considered characteristic of European culture and religion, including universities and commercial cities, the crusades, the friars, chivalry, marriage, and church architecture. In all these developments, the Roman Church played an important and often fundamental role. A re-evaluation of that role is now particularly apt given the dissolution of Christendom in its old form witnessed by today's generation.

If the gospel is to be heard in all its fullness, we require more than just a selection of the favourite stories that suit our temperament and churchmanship. The liturgical year imposes the godly discipline we need by leading us through every aspect of Jesus' life and work. Throughout the Christian year, Colin Morris's reflections draw our attention continually to issues of God's justice and God's rule in the world. As the seasons pass from Advent through Christmas, Epiphany, Lent and Easter to Pentecost, we read and reflect on the events of Jesus' life. Each reflection is short and can be used as an inspiration for preaching as well as for individuals seeking to read something each week relating our lives today to the Bible. Some of the reflections were Thoughts for the Day on BBC Radio 4's Today programme; all are provocative and broaden our view of the world.