Walsingham (full name Little Walsingham) is a small market town in Norfolk, England, famed for its religious shrines in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Seal of the Medieval Shrine

Mid-way between Norwich and Kings Lynn, Walsingham became a major centre of pilgrimage in the 11th century, following a vision of the Virgin Mary to Saxon noblewoman, Richeldis de Faverches in 1061. A priory was built on the site, which grew in importance until its destruction in the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII in 1539.

Since 1900 Anglican, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Marian shrines have been restored in Walsingham, and pilgrimages are held through the summer months. The Anglican National pilgrimage takes place on Spring Bank Holiday (the Monday following the last Sunday in May).

See also

• Religion in the United Kingdom

External links

• Walsingham Shrines