PILGRIMAGE

Reaching Whithorn


      

On arrival at Whithorn, pilgrims would have been tired but exhilarated too.  The sick might have felt a surge of hope that they would be cured of their afflictions.


The streets would have been crowded with traders and pilgrims and, on special days, religious processions.

The Third Marquess of Bute's son Patrick Crichton Stuart leading a pilgrimage to Whithorn Priory in the 1930s. © Whithorn Photographic Group


The Third Marquess of Bute's son Patrick
Crichton Stuart leading a pilgrimage to        
Whithorn Priory in the 1930s.
© Whithorn Photographic Group.


The pilgrims would have processed along Whithorn's main street, then through the gatehouse at
the head of Bruce Street and along the lane to Whithorn's priory.  This is the same route taken
by visitors today.


H.M. Queen Elizabeth II visiting Whithorn in 1956. © The Scotsman Newspaper.

H.M. Queen Elizabeth II visiting Whithorn in 1956.
© The Scotsman Newspapers.

The Queen's visit of 1956 gave a sense of what it
might have been like when medieval kings and queens came
to Whithorn.