by Ted Connell
Within the redundant Church of St. Margaret, Canterbury, an exhibition meticulously recreates a Chaucerian pilgrimage in Medieval England.
When the visitors enter, they leave behind the 20th century and become, like thousands of others over 600 years ago, a pilgrim, journeying to the shrine of Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, murdered by the King's men and martyred for his convictions.
The Prologue
The visitors will find themselves back in medieval London, where, as they wait, they will learn something of the atmosphere of the time, and of the man whose famous tales will provide the thread of the story, Geoffrey Chaucer. This is the Prologue. Visitors in small bands will then be led to the Tabard Inn on London's south bank. It is early evening in April 1396.
A host pilgrim will greet them, introduce them to the reason for their journey and, as they prepare to leave, show them briefly, by special effects, the murder of Thomas Becket, in Canterbury Cathedral. Fortified with this inspiring vision, the pilgrims will set out on their condensed four-day journey.
Canterbury Tales
As they join Chaucer's immortal band, the courtly Knight, the bawdy Miller, the Wife of Bath, the Nun's Priest and the Pardoner will all recount their distinctive tales to them. Traveling along through the exhibition, they will learn something of Medieval life through a selection of the stories presented as glimpses and extracts with sound, light, and vision. The tales have been carefully selected for their educational, descriptive, and entertainment value. This is so that the content of the tales will be relevant to present school study programs.
The pilgrim road will rise and twist in a series of steps and ramps passing through reconstructions and impressions of the route to Canterbury. High in the roof of the building, the road will cross over itself on an impression of Rochester Bridge which marked the halfway stage in the pilgrims' journey.
Journey's End
Turning a corner and doubling back, the travelers will be confronted by the great West Gate of Canterbury.
Through the gate, the visitors will find themselves in the upper gallery of the "Checker of Hope" which in Chaucer's time was the principal lodging house of the pilgrims.
A splendid medieval staircase will take them down, turning as it does so into the steps of the Nave of Canterbury Cathedral which in Chaucer's time was being rebuilt and so we see it surrounded by scaffolding and stonemasons. From here, they will enter an impression of Trinity Chapel with an accurate reconstruction of the bejeweled tomb of Thomas Becket, the end of the pilgrims' quest.
Artful Story
It is hoped that an appealing blend of literature, architecture, and art will mix together to reflect the Pilgrimage History, the Chaucerian influence, and the city's individual charm.
The Canterbury Pilgrims Way, located in St. Margaret's Way, is open seven days a week. From 1st April until 31st October the opening times are 0900-1900; and from 1st November until 31st March they are 0900-1730 with last admission ½ hour before closing. A visit takes approximately one hour. Entrance charges: Adult £3.00, Children £1.50. For further information please contact: The Press & Information Office, Heritage Projects Ltd, St. Margaret's Street, Canterbury CTI 2TC. Telephone 0227 454888.
