A talk by Imogen Corrigan

£5 admission (free to members). Doors open 6.30pm

ABOUT THE TALK

What possessed people to trudge hundreds of miles, often in appalling conditions and sometimes perishing on the way? This lecture considers this question and also how there was a shift from spiritual wandering in the Anglo-Saxon period to religious tourism in the days of Chaucer’s pilgrims.  It also looks closely at travel in general and the hazards of the journey: how did people organise themselves for long journeys and how safe was it? How should they provide for themselves and where might they find help? From maps and motivation to souvenirs and shrines, this lecture discusses travel in the round as well as specifically for spiritual reasons.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Imogen is an experienced tour guide, lecturer and author. She works for The Arts Society as well as running courses and study tours for specialist travel firms.  After a long-running military career, she got a 1st class honours degree in Anglo-Saxon and Medieval History at the University of Kent.

ABOUT THE VENUE

Stanford Parish Room was previously the Jazz Bar at Folkestone Racecourse.

From Stone Street, enter via the old racecourse entrance (signposted Otterpool Park).  Walk through the gate at the end of the lane.  The Parish Room will be in front of you, right of the parade ring.

TRAVEL TO THE VENUE

By Car:

From the A20, take Stone Street (signposted Racecourse & Westenhanger Station).  After the houses end, you will see a white gate on the left, with a lane immediately after.  Take the lane down to the end and park in the car park on the right, just before the first building.

By Train:

Take the train to Westenhanger station.  The exit is on Platform 1 – to cross the track from Platform 2, use the footbridge.  Exit via the car park, walk up the lane and continue up Stone Street.  Pass the entrance to Westenhanger Castle just outside the station and take the next entrance.  Follow the lane to the end.

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Southeastern website.