Walsingham

Walsingham is a village and civil parish in Norfolk, England, located in the county’s North Norfolk district. It is best known for the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, a historic religious site that draws pilgrims and visitors from around the world.

The shrine’s origins are said to lie in the 11th century, when Lady Richeldis de Faverches reported a vision of the Virgin Mary and was instructed to build a holy shrine at Walsingham. Over the medieval period it became one of England’s leading pilgrimage destinations, attracting worshippers from across the realm. The English Reformation led to suppression and damage to the medieval precincts, though parts such as the Slipper Chapel survived as relics.

In the 20th century, Anglican and Roman Catholic communities revived devotion to Our Lady of Walsingham, establishing two parallel shrines within a shared precinct. A modern Holy House was erected to serve pilgrims. The two communities maintain distinct liturgical traditions while sharing the site.

Today Walsingham remains a significant pilgrimage and heritage site, contributing to the local economy through tourism and farming. The shrine precinct includes the religious buildings, remnants of medieval structures, a small museum, and facilities for visitors, with events held throughout the year.