Saturday 20 May
The 2017 Pilgrimage is on Saturday 20 May and will be led jointly by Canon Tim Alban Jones and Dr Bridget Nichols.
what is it?
A walk through the Huntingdonshire countryside from George Herbert’s church at Leighton Bromswold to Nicholas Ferrar’s tomb at Little Gidding.
who’s leading it?
Canon Tim Alban Jones and Dr Bridget Nichols. Canon Alban Jones is the Chaplain to the Bishop of Peterborough and is also a residentiary canon of Peterborough Cathedral. Before moving to Peterborough in 2015 he was Vicar of Soham and Warden of Readers in the diocese of Ely. Bridget Nichols was for 18 years Lay Chaplain to successive Bishops of Ely; she writes a weekly column in the Church Times on the Sunday lectionary readings and has been a member of the Liturgical Commission of the Church of England since 2011.
Between them, they will preach at the morning Eucharist at Leighton Bromswold, give short addresses at the five stations between Leighton Bromswold and Little Gidding, and preach at Evensong at Little Gidding.
why Little Gidding?
Little Gidding was made famous in the twentieth century when it gave its name to T S Eliot’s last great poem. But even before Eliot it was renowned as the home and burial place of Nicholas Ferrar.
who was Nicholas Ferrar?
Born in London in 1592, Nicholas Ferrar gave up a life in commerce and politics to move to Little Gidding, establishing a life of prayer and charitable works with his family. Ordained deacon, he was foremost in the life of prayer, study, and work, setting an example of devotion and spiritual life that has stood as a beacon to those who have followed. He died on 4 December 1637, and his devout life and example have consecrated Little Gidding as a holy place to this day.
when is it?
Saturday 20 May, beginning at 10.30 am at Leighton Bromswold church. The Pilgrimage finishes at Little Gidding after Evensong with Tea at about 5.30 pm. See below for more details.
what else?
Lunch will be available at Leighton Bromswold and Tea at Little Gidding. Please contact us to book meals. Cars can be left at Leighton Bromswold; we will co-ordinate lifts back at the end of the Pilgrimage. Leighton Bromswold is just north of the A14 a few miles west of Huntingdon and the junction with the A1. See map below.
Leighton Bromswold church have kindly offered to conduct a short tour of their historic church at 9.45 am before the Pilgrimage begins: no need to book, just turn up on the day.
what are the costs?
Lunch and Tea are available. We invite a contribution of £12 per person which enables us to cover the costs of Lunch and Tea and some of the other expenses of the day itself. There will also be collections at the two services: these will go directly to Leighton Bromswold Church and Little Gidding Church.
where is the Pilgrimage?
The Pilgrimage begins at Leighton Bromswold, which is just north of Junction 17 of the A14 between Kettering and Huntingdon. Satnav users: enter PE28 5AX.
All are welcome at the Pilgrimage. It will greatly help if you are able to let us know you are coming and how many are in your group by emailing pilgrimage@littlegidding.org.uk.
10.30 am: Pilgrimage Communion
at Leighton Bromswold Church
whose restoration was funded by George Herbert and directed by the Ferrars.
12 noon: Lunch
Enjoy lunch with fellow pilgrims
(lunch tickets available, or bring your own).
1 pm: First Station
at Leighton Bromswold
The Pilgrimage Walk begins from the Hundred Stone outside Leighton Bromswold churchyard.
2 pm: Second Station at Salome Wood
2.15 pm: Pilgrimage Walk continues.
2.45 pm: Third Station at Hamerton
3 pm: Pilgrimage Walk continues, cutting across the meadow to Steeple Gidding.
3.45 pm: Fourth Station
at Steeple Gidding Church
4.00 pm: Pilgrimage Walk continues to Little Gidding.
4.15 pm: Fifth Station
at the Tomb of Nicholas Ferrar
All gather around the tomb of Nicholas Ferrar. Followed by …
Pilgrimage Evensong
at Little Gidding Church
5.30 pm: Tea at Ferrar House
The walk from Leighton Bromswold to Little Gidding is about five miles, mostly along the country roads. Sturdy shoes are recommended. If sunny, don’t forget to bring hats and water. Drinks and toilets available at Hamerton. It will be possible to join in along the route, particularly at the Stations, where there will be a pause and a short act of worship and commemoration. Timing of intermediate Stations approximate.
We will co-ordinate drivers’ return to Leighton Bromswold. For more information see www.littlegidding.org.uk/pilgrimage
To book Lunch and/or Tea please download and print the booking form, complete it and post it back to us. Unfortunately we are not able to accept advance payments except by cheque.
We look forward to seeing you on the Saturday 20 May at Leighton Bromswold.