Pilgrims in medieval times did some pretty strange things and we think we should allow people to do those things today if they find them meaningful. For example, pilgrims used to mark their forearms with a cross – we plan to provide a transfer of St Chad’s Cross in the Pilgrim’s Pass. However, once pilgrims have completed their journey there is no reason why they may not wish to acquire a permanent tattoo!

Pilgrims used to bring stones to Stone and we are exploring ways that it may be possible to revive that custom to symbolise laying down burdens the pilgrim does not want to carry on with in the rest of their lives.

At Lichfield Cathedral there is a pedilavium which was used for footwashing and by prior arrangement it will be possible to have your feet washed there at the end of your pilgrimage! Another custom was for pilgrims to sleep by the shrine of St Chad for what was called “the night of dreams” – again there may be possibilities for that to happen once again.