Why Do People Make Pilgrimages to Canterbury?
A pilgrimage is a long journey taken as an act of religious devotion. Pilgrimages can take place anywhere in the world. One place of interest is the Canterbury Cathedral in Canterbury, United Kingdom. Canterbury is a religious city captured in the renowned book, "The Canterbury Tales." Although it is known as a place of worship, many do not know the story behind the pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral.
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History
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People have been traveling to the Canterbury Cathedral for pilgrimage since the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170. He was slain by sword in the cathedral. His death was rumored to be related to his former friendship with King Henry II. The death stunned people throughout the country.
Sainthood
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After Thomas Becket's murder, Pope Alexander canonized Becket, elevating him to sainthood. Because Becket was named a saint, Canterbury Cathedral became the most important place in England for pilgrims to visit.
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Blood
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After his murder, local people were said to have gathered pieces of cloth soaked with Becket's blood. Word spread about the cloth's existence. Many people believed that touching this cloth would cure diseases, including blindness, leprosy and epilepsy. Priests even sold small glass bottles containing "Becket's blood."
Shrine
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Priests feared that Becket's body would be stolen, so they placed it in a marble coffin in the crypt of the Canterbury Cathedral. A stonewall was built in front of the tomb to prevent break-ins. However, they did leave two gaps in the stonewall so pilgrims could put their heads in and kiss the tomb.
High Altar
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In 1220, Becket's bones were moved to a gold-plated and bejeweled shrine behind the high altar in the Canterbury Cathedral. The tomb sits atop pillars that raises it high enough to be worshipped. Over the years, the numbers of pilgrims that visit the Canterbury Cathedral greatly increased and pilgrims still travel to Canterbury Cathedral today.
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