History after 1061
13th century Walsingham ranks equally in importance with Rome, Jerusalem and Santiago de Compostella.
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After the establishment of the 'Holy House' Walsingham became known as the 'Little Nazareth'.
Henry III travelled to Walsingham in 1248; so did Edward I (1272-1307); so did Edward III (1327-1377). The Augustinian Priory was founded in 1153 to cater for the spiritual needs of the many pilgrims, and a Friary was also established.
The famous continued to trail to Walsingham as one century turned into another. Erasmus visited in 1514, and Henry VIII (1509-1547) in 1486 (as a prince) and 1511. However, it was Henry who was to change the fate of the Shrine nearly 30 years later....
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Copyright © 1998
Sean O'Connell, Bournemouth, UK
