Step inside the world of hidden heritage as Lady Violet Manners invites you to embark on a journey of discovery in the latest episode of the podcast. Joining her is Dr. Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrim Trust, to unravel the timeless allure of pilgrimage and the profound connection to the sacred sites of Great Britain.
In this episode, listeners can expect to be swept away by captivating tales of historical sculptures, ancient trees, and the transformative power of pilgrimage. With insights from Guy Hayward, discover the depths of custodianship, the spiritual significance of ancient buildings, and the resurgence of pilgrimage in the UK.
As the conversation unfolds, delve into the rich tapestry of heritage and tradition, uncovering the unique rituals and personal transformations experienced on pilgrimage. Uncover the evocative melodies of early music at Westminster Abbey and the mesmerising charm of choral evensong as Guy shares his passion for these enchanting traditions.
So, come along on this extraordinary journey through history, spirituality, and the enduring legacy of sacred heritage sites in Great Britain. It's an episode not to be missed, offering an uplifting and insightful exploration of our nation's hidden treasures.
Key Points:
00:00:05: Introduction to Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrim Trust
00:02:16: Guy defines pilgrimage as walking for the soul, not just for exercise
00:05:30: Guy encourages people to lie down in churches and look up at the ceilings
00:06:38: Guy discusses the origins of pilgrimage, dating back to the dawn of time
00:11:22: Guy shares his view on favourite pilgrimage routes in the UK
00:44:53: Guy reveals there are 16,000 ancient parish churches and 43 cathedrals in England and Wales
00:45:11: The British Pilgrim Trust has mapped out about 300 pilgrimage routes
00:46:25: Guy shares how his founding patron leads his godson on pilgrimages every year
00:48:28: Guy discusses the connection between historic houses and pilgrimage
00:53:36: Guy sings a song about a special tree at Belvoir Castle

Guest Info
Guy Hayward is a multi-talented individual with diverse interests and pursuits. He co-founded the British Pilgrimage Trust, an organisation dedicated to reviving the tradition of pilgrimage in Britain, after completing his PhD at Cambridge on the psychology and anthropology of communal singing. Alongside his work with the British Pilgrimage Trust, Guy runs the website choralevensong.org, an online directory aimed at raising awareness of Choral Evensong services. Additionally, he is one half of the satirical cabaret duo Bounder & Cad, showcasing his musical and comedic talents. Guy’s academic background, entrepreneurial spirit, and artistic abilities make him a versatile and fascinating figure, seamlessly blending spirituality, psychology, arts, and cultural heritage.

About:
Step inside Britain’s greatest historic houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

Links and Resources:

British Pilgrim Trust

Westminster Abbey

English Heritage's regions in England

"Sanctuary" initiative by the British Pilgrim Trust

Choral evensong (a 16th-century musical service in churches)

"Duchess" (No.1 History podcast)


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