Walking Through History: Dame Sarah Mullally’s Historic Pilgrimage to Canterbury
- Claire Cardy
- Mar 22
- 2 min read
Today, 22 March, a new chapter of history is being written on the footpaths of Kent. Dame Sarah Mullally is completing a remarkable 87-mile pilgrimage from St Paul’s Cathedral in London to England’s mother church, Canterbury Cathedral.
Her journey marks a monumental milestone: Dame Sarah is the first woman to be appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. As the 106th person to hold the office—succeeding a line that stretches back to St Augustine in 597 AD—she is treading a path both ancient and brand new.
Following the Pilgrim’s Way
Dame Sarah’s six-day trek is a physical preparation for her formal installation this Wednesday, 25 March. By walking through the "Garden of England," she follows in the footsteps of millions who, for centuries, journeyed to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop famously murdered in the Cathedral in 1170.
Her route included significant spiritual waypoints, such as Rochester Cathedral (England’s second oldest) and Aylesford Priory. While many local lanes bear the name "Pilgrims’ Way," history tells us there was never just one track; instead, a web of paths brought travellers from all corners of the country toward Canterbury’s spires.
A Literary and Global Legacy
The wonder of this journey was immortalised by Geoffrey Chaucer, the "Father of English Literature." His Canterbury Tales drew attention to the story of the medieval pilgrims, helping to make Canterbury a premier destination for religious travellers between the 12th and 16th centuries.
But these routes didn't just lead to Canterbury—they led from it, too. In 990 AD, Archbishop Sigeric the Serious walked 1,800km from Canterbury to Rome to receive his pallium (cloak of office) from the Pope. Today, that route—the Via Francigena—has been revived and waymarked for a new generation of adventurers.
The Modern Pilgrim
The tradition of pilgrimage is currently enjoying a vibrant revival. Today’s travellers—whether walking for faith, fitness, or reflection—find a landscape better equipped than ever to welcome them.
In the tranquil Kent village of Patrixbourne, the Norman St Mary's Church (which sits at the crossroads of four historic pilgrim routes) now offers a self-contained annexe where weary walkers can rest overnight. Here, they can have their "Pilgrim Passport" stamped—a physical memento of a spiritual journey.
As Dame Sarah reaches the Cathedral doors in time for Evensong today, she reminds us that these ancient paths are still very much alive. Whether you are a person of faith or simply a lover of the Kentish countryside, the historic routes to Canterbury offer a chance to step out of the modern rush and into a deeper story.
Visit www.hereandtherewithclaire.co.uk for more inspiration of journeys to take in the historic and beautiful county of Kent.
#visitcanterbury #visitkent #pilgrimage #walkingtours # britainsbestguides
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