A Journey Through Time: Year 8 Walk in the Footsteps of Canterbury Pilgrims
Nestled just south of the historic Pilgrims’ Way, Radnor House Sevenoaks enjoys a unique proximity to one of England’s most famous medieval routes. To bring their Humanities studies to life, Year 8 pupils embarked on their very own pilgrimage, following in the footsteps of countless others by visiting Canterbury Cathedral and Aylesford Priory.
The day began with a visit to the awe-inspiring Canterbury Cathedral; a site steeped in religious and cultural history. One of the most powerful moments for the group was standing at the exact spot where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered on 29th December 1170 - an event that transformed Canterbury into one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Europe. The pupils were visibly engaged, reflecting thoughtfully on the significance of this site within the wider context of their studies on pilgrimage and religious conflict, asking many questions as we walked around this ancient site.
As they toured the cathedral, students encountered a range of fascinating historical features. From the vivid contrast between the 20th-century stained glass windows and their medieval counterparts to the deep indentations in the Pilgrims' Steps - worn smooth by centuries of devoted pilgrims climbing on their knees - the cathedral offered an immersive journey through centuries of faith and tradition. Highlights also included the Martyrs’ Chapel, the ancient crypt, and the serene cloisters (where they were able to see some of the damage done to statues during the Reformation), each providing a glimpse into the spiritual and architectural legacy of this sacred place.
On the return journey, the group made a final stop at Aylesford Priory, a tranquil and spiritually rich site that has served as a place of rest for pilgrims for hundreds of years. Surrounded by peaceful grounds and steeped in Carmelite tradition, pupils explored the historic site and visited the St Simon Stock Chapel, which holds a rare and remarkable relic - a portion of St Simon’s skull. This gave students a powerful insight into the importance of relics in medieval pilgrimage and how places like Aylesford still connect modern visitors with centuries of spiritual tradition.
The trip was not only a rich educational experience, but also a meaningful way for pupils to reflect on the themes of devotion, journey, and historical legacy that they’ve been studying in their Humanities' lessons. Walking in the footsteps of pilgrims past brought classroom learning vividly to life.
