A ’14th Century’ Pilgrim Passes Through Guildford On His Way To Canterbury

Published on: 20 Dec, 2015
Updated on: 20 Dec, 2015

A plucky pilgrim passed through Guildford this evening (Sunday, December 20), on his way to Canterbury to visit the shrine of Thomas Becket.

Pilgrims’ progress. Steve Payne stops off in Onslow Village on Sunday evening, December 20.

The man’s name is Steven Payne and he aims to be the first person in 500 years to walk the Pilgrims’ Way from Southampton to Canterbury in authentic 14th century clothing.

He stopped off in Onslow Village where these pictures were taken.

First to break the news was the Onlsow Village Residents’ Association, that put a post on its website headed ‘Latest & Urgent News’.

The pilgrim has set up a 21st-century Facebook page – a modern chronicle (now called a blog) of the journey he is undertaking.

The pilgrim takes a well earned rest in Onslow Village making Southampton to Canterbury. his way from

The pilgrim takes a well earned rest in Onslow Village making his way from Southampton to Canterbury.

It contains lots of pictures as he plods his way through the countryside following the line of the North Downs.

Many people are following his progress from the comfort of their homes.

His blog contains pictures and film clips. In one clip he turns to the camera and says: “If anybody ever suggests going on a medieval pilgrimage anywhere then hit them over the head with something really heavy, bury their body far, far into the woods and never look back – it’s not fun!”

He left Onslow Village at 10pm and was last seen heading for Dorking.

We wish him well and offer him the compliments of the season.

To see details about this pilgrim’s progress, click on his Facebook page.