Replication or rivalry? The ‘Becketization’ of pilgrimage in English Cathedrals

The assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in 1170 triggered a profound shift in medieval pilgrimage culture, leading to the widespread adoption of the 'Becket model' across English cathedrals. This study reveals how Canterbury's monks strategically curated Becket's cult to assert their authority and political influence, while also influencing broader European hagiolatry practices. By analyzing sacred space utilization in Canterbury, Durham, and York Cathedrals, the research demonstrates that Becket's legacy reshaped pilgrimage experiences not only during the Middle Ages but also in modern interpretations of English heritage sites.

Jenkins, J. (2018). Replication or rivalry? The ‘Becketization’ of pilgrimage in English Cathedrals. Religion, 49(1), 24–47. https://doi.org/10.1080/0048721x.2018.1515327