Lunchtime Talk: How pilgrimage changed the world

As Westminster Abbey prepares to welcome pilgrims to Edwardtide, marking the life of St Edward the Confessor, explore the connection between this long-standing pilgrimage and the wider politics of the medieval world.  

Professor Kathryn Hurlock, the author of Holy Places: How Pilgrimage Changes the World, will explore how the phenomenon of pilgrimage has played a role in shaping both our religions and our world. Discover how centuries of pilgrimage have transformed the fates of cities, anointed dynasties and offered people from across the globe an opportunity for reflection.  

Held on the second Wednesday of every month at St Margaret’s Church, our Lunchtime Talk series invites visitors to explore different aspects of Westminster Abbey’s rich history. Each talk features expert speakers and unique perspectives, perfect for anyone interested in art, architecture, and heritage.

Kathryn Hurlock is Professor of Religious and Military History at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is a religious historian, whose work focuses on how people have engaged in major religious activities from the middle ages to the present day. She has written several books on pilgrimage and crusading, most recently the global history of pilgrimage Holy Places: How Pilgrimage Changed the World (Profile, 2025). She has featured on BBC Breakfast and You're Dead To Me and has written for the Independent and the New European. 

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