Summary
A rare and detailed glimpse into the operations of a major medieval pilgrimage site has been revealed through the newly translated 'Customary of the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral.' This 1428 document outlines the day-to-day management, including opening hours, decoration, maintenance, and staffing, of one of Europe's most significant pilgrim destinations. The Latin text with facing English translation provides unprecedented insights into the liturgical practices and organizational realities of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering valuable context for understanding medieval religious and pilgrimage practices.
Citation
Jenkins, J. (2022). The Customary of the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. https://doi.org/10.17302/fou-9781641894494