Pilgrimage Adventures, with Anne Bailey

In this conversation, Heather A. Warfield and Anne Bailey explore the multifaceted nature of pilgrimage, discussing its historical significance, personal experiences, and the intersection of spirituality and activism. They delve into the role of pilgrimage in protest movements, the communal aspects of the journey, and the revival of pilgrimage within the Anglican Church. Anne shares her academic background and insights into the evolving definition of a pilgrim, as well as her experiences at significant pilgrimage sites like St. Frideswide's shrine and Stonehenge. The discussion highlights the growing interest in pilgrimage in Britain and the diverse motivations behind modern pilgrimages.Takeaways:*The experience of pilgrimage can transform one's identity.*Pilgrimage is often a communal experience, enhancing the sense of belonging.*Modern pilgrimages can blend spirituality with socio-political activism.*The Anglican Church is increasingly embracing pilgrimage as part of its heritage.*Healing is a significant aspect of both medieval and modern pilgrimages.*Pilgrimage routes are expanding across Britain, reflecting a growing interest.*Personal experiences of pilgrimage can vary widely among individuals.*The journey to a pilgrimage site can be as meaningful as the destination itself.*The definition of a pilgrim can evolve based on individual experiences.Anne Bailey gained a doctorate in medieval history in 2010 from Oxford University, focusing on female pilgrimage in 12th century England. From 2010-2013 she held a postdoctoral research fellowship at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. She is currently an associate member of theHistory Faculty at Oxford and a part-time tutor at the University’s Department for Continuing Education where she teaches courses on pilgrimage and medieval women.Pilgrimage has been at the forefront of Anne’s academic research and teaching for nearly 20 years. Unusually, her expertise encompasses both medieval and contemporary pilgrimage, combining the fields of history and cultural anthropology. To this end, she’s published widely in academic journals and in more general publications such as the Church Times, History Today, and The Conversation. Much of her research draws on her personal experiences of participating in a variety of Christian and post-Christian pilgrimages (mainly Roman Catholic, Anglo-Catholic, Protestant, and secular pilgrimages). In the last year, for example, these have included a trip to Rome to visit the papal basilicas, a tall ship pilgrimage, a walk along the Camiño Inglés in Spain, a climate action pilgrimage and a pilgrimage to Stonehenge for the summer solstice. Anne is particularly fascinated by the recent trend for walking pilgrimages. She’s an active member of the Confraternity of St James and last summer helped to launch a new pilgrimage route in the UK – the St Frideswide’s Way – which begins at Christ Church Cathedral in Oxford and joins the Camiño Inglés in Reading and winds its way to Southampton on the coast and finally to Santiago de Compostela.