The revival of the great English pilgrimage

Key Concepts:

• Eleanor of Castile
• Medieval Queen
• Funeral Procession
• Pilgrimage
• Eleanor Crosses
• Historical Re-enactment
• Lincoln to London Journey
• Westminster Abbey
• Charing Cross

The Medieval Funeral Procession of Eleanor of Castile

This video details a 200-mile pilgrimage undertaken to re-enact the funeral procession of Eleanor of Castile, a significant medieval queen. The original journey occurred over 700 years ago, with the royal household transporting her body from a village near Lincoln, where she passed away, to Westminster Abbey in London.

Eleanor Crosses: Monuments of Grief and Remembrance

Eleanor's grieving husband, King Edward, commissioned the construction of twelve stone monuments, known as the Eleanor Crosses, to commemorate her. These crosses were strategically placed in the towns along the procession route.

• Current Status: Only three of the original Eleanor Crosses remain standing today.
• Modern Memorials: Despite the loss of most original crosses, other memorials have emerged to honor Eleanor:
  • A "very pointy" new Eleanor Cross in Stamford.
  • A large mural depicting Eleanor in Stony Stratford.
  • A statue of Eleanor located in the Eleanor Cross shopping precinct in Dunstable.

The Final Resting Place and the Journey's End

The final Eleanor Cross was situated at Charing Cross in London, marking the end point of the procession. A plaque at the current Charing Cross site signifies the original location of this last monument.

Conclusion: Uncovering Hidden History

The narrator emphasizes that this journey was an "incredible journey" and expresses hope that it demonstrates the "amazing history to be discovered everywhere, if only we take the time to look." The pilgrimage serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of historical figures and the potential for uncovering rich historical narratives through dedicated exploration.