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During the Medieval Pageant on 9th July we helped children and pageant visitors try their hand at making a pilgrim badge out of clay. Here are some of the results, photographed by Maxine Clarke.
Canterbury became a shrine after the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 – he was quickly made a saint, and miracles began to be reported at his tomb in Canterbury Cathedral. Pilgrims from Britain and Europe flocked to the city, hoping a visit would cure their ailments. As a result, the city prospered. Inns sprang
up to cater for them and the trade in pilgrim’s badges as souvenirs flourished.
Preparing the clay.
Thomas Becket
A completed badge
Francesca Lashmar also took these pictures at craft workshops which took place at various churches in Canterbury. As well as working with clay, young participants made stained glass windows from card and tissue paper.
Artist Christopher leads a workshop at St Peter’s
Making clay objects at St Peter’s
Stained glass making at St Mildred’s