This project is exploring the experience of those going on a pilgrimage and asks pilgrims, “What did it feel like and what made you feel that way?”
The project uses the definition of the pilgrimage experience explored by George D. Greeina https://www.wm.edu/as/medren/faculty/greenia-g.php in his paper, “What is Pilgrimage?” in the International Journal of Religious Tourism and Pilgrimage, 6.2 (2018). Available at https://arrow.dit.ie/ijrtp/vol6/iss2/3.
The project is being carried out by Chris Hall of Swansea University and has the support of the Confraternity of St. James as well as Reading Museum, who will provide pilgrims with the details of the project when they start at Reading.
The research will use reflective questions generated from Greenia’s definition of pilgrimage with participants on the St. James’ Way over the summer of 2025. It is hoped that the reflective questions will be a useful tool to help pilgrims reflect on their own experiences.
Will you be walking the St. James’ Way this year? Would you like an opportunity to explore and make sense of your pilgrimage experience? Are you interested in taking part in the research? Head over to the Surveys page to find out more.