Last Day of the Pilgrimage to Hastings Castle

About

This is a moderate walk for 2 miles.

There was an all-year round pilgrimage to the Holy Cross in St Mary in the Castle church (ruins just inside the castle) from before 1066.  Post the October 1066 building of the Castle, pilgrims gathered outside St Michael's church every morning and set off together when the canons at the church started tolling their bell, which they did for an hour.  This walk re-traces those steps.  It starts at the presumed location of St Michael's church, in what was then the main settlement of Hastings in the White Rock area.

It is hoped that some walkers will dress as the pilgrims would have done (it is not obligatory).   Information on medieval costume is available from Heather Grief  heather.grief@talktalk.net   There will be a picnic in the castle for those that wish to stay.  Walkers will have to bring this and may have to pay to enter the castle.  At the picnic the Lord's Prayer will be said in Anglo-Saxon and we are hoping to arrange a blessing from a cleric.  (Free admission to Hastings Castle).

Southeastern or Southern trains to Hastings station (10 minute walk to location).

If not in Anglo-Saxon dress then dress appropriately for the prevailing weather, either way sensible footwear should be worn.

Well behaved dogs on leads welcome.

The walk is not suitable for people unable to manage the 218 steps up to the West Hill

Toilets at Hastings town centre or up at Hastings Castle.

Parking at start - Falaise Road/St Margaret's Road and Priory Street multi-story.