Our History

Pilgrim Cross began as Student Cross in 1948 when Wilfred Maundcote-Carter organised a 'Cross Carrying Pilgrimage of Penance and Prayer'. 30 male Catholic students and chaplains took part, walking from London to Walsingham during Holy Week. They had such a great time that at the end of the week they turned to each other and said 'shall we do it again next year?'

The next year it was so popular a second group had to be created, walking from Nottingham instead of London with the two groups meeting in Walsingham. These two routes are still in existence today as London and Northern!

The pilgrimage has continued to grow ever since with 7 current adult walking routes and 3 family routes. Our demographic has diversified from those original young Catholic men who could carry the cross and their packs for the week. First women were admitted, then we began to welcome pilgrims from across the Christian traditions. After a while the students grew up and had children, now you can find pilgrims of all ages. In 2021 we changed our name to Pilgrim Cross to recognise the diverse community we had become. Today Pilgrim Cross is made up of around 300 pilgrims from diverse backgrounds and faith traditions, ranging from babies to those in their 80s. Even now, when we get to the end of each year, we still turn to each other and say 'shall we do it again?'. Come and join us next year!

1948

Pilgrim Cross is founded as Student Cross

1949

The pilgrimage's popularity means a second route, Northern, is added

1967

Women officially join the pilgrimage for the first time after first walking in 1964

1972

The pilgrimage starts to welcome pilgrims from across the Christian traditions

1981

Families start to join the pilgrimage as Family Cross - then a separate pilgrimage

1992

Peg leg, the first permanent family leg, is founded

2008

60th jubilee is marked with a reflection from original pilgrim Frank and a weekend of celebrations

2012

With the founding of Wensum, teenagers have a bespoke pilgrimage experience for the first time

2020

The pilgrimage goes virtual in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

2021

Student Cross changes name to Pilgrim Cross to reflect the diverse community we have become