Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham (Slipper Chapel)

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Built in the mid-14th century, and dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria, this chapel served pilgrims on their way to England’s Nazareth. Saint Catherine was the patron saint of pilgrims to the Holy Land and her knights kept open the road to Nazareth during the Crusades.

Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham (Slipper Chapel)

The first Mass since the Reformation was celebrated here in August 1934 and on 8th September 1938 the Shrine was re-consecrated by Bishop Youens of Northampton.

As well as the Statue of Our Lady, several images of Mary decorate the Slipper Chapel. Over the altar is the east window, the work of Geoffrey Webb in 1953 to commemorate the definition of the Dogma of the Assumption of 1950. The centenary window of the Annunciation is over the doors at the west end.

As well as the Statue of Our Lady, several images of Mary decorate the Slipper Chapel. Over the altar is the east window, the work of Geoffrey Webb in 1953 to commemorate the definition of the Dogma of the Assumption of 1950. The centenary window of the Annunciation is over the doors at the west end.

Over the West door of the Chapel below the image of the Holy Trinity, are the statues of Mary and the Archangel Gabriel, (given by Chorley K.S.C in 1958), reminding us of the words of the 15th century Pynson ballad of Walsingham: "Where shall be had in a memorial the great joy of my Salutation".

In the cloister, is a bust of Cardinal Bourne who was prominent in the re-establishment of the Shrine in 1934 and led the first great pilgrimage of over 10,000 people in that year.

There is also a permanent exhibition illustrating the history of the Shrine since 1061. Also within the cloister is the Mass Intentions Office, a Gift and Bookshop and a Tearoom, much sought after by weary pilgrims and visitors.

The 14 oak crosses of the great Cross-carrying Pilgrimage of 1948 form a Way of the Cross in the Shrine grounds. There is a notice listing the places they were carried from and the distances covered.

The 15th Station (The Resurrection) was carried by the Bletchley youth walkers in 1982, and is near the road-side door of the Chapel of Reconciliation.

Site Information
Opening Times:
Every day 9am - 5pm.
Website:
Address:
Houghton St Giles, Little Walsingham, Walsingham, NR22 6AL, Norfolk
Visitor Information
Accessibility by transport
Yes
Refreshments (nearby)
Yes
Features
Architecture
Atmosphere
Interior features
Monuments
Nearby Attractions
Attraction 1:
Church of St Giles, Houghton St Giles
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0.16 Miles Away
The church of Saint Giles was rebuilt by William Eden Nesfield in 1877 and much of the building materials for the new church were re-cycled from an older church on the site. Fine medieval rood screen and Victorian stained glass windows.
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Attraction 2:
Church of St Mary & All Saints, Little Walsingham
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1.13 Miles Away
Fire gutted the church on 14th July 1961. Only the extreme west end was spared, that is the tower, the south porch and the font. Such extreme heat causes the limestone to turn pink and discolouring will be detected on the font and the rood loft stairs.
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Attraction 3:
Chapel of St Seraphim, Little Walsingham
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1.14 Miles Away
The Chapel has been open to visitors daily since 1967. Styled on the Byzantine model with icons, an icon screen, tower and onion dome, the Orthodox Christian Chapel until 2009 had an iconographer. In 2019 we are opening a Gallery to the public, displaying icons and including the railway history, and pilgrimage by train.
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Attraction 4:
Walsingham Abbey
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1.26 Miles Away
A place of pilgrimage since the 11th century, visitors can enjoy the tranquil gardens and, over the ancient packhorse bridge, the river and woodland walks lead into unspoilt woods and parkland famous for spectacular snowdrops in early spring.
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Attraction 5:
The Shrine of Our Lady Walsingham
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1.32 Miles Away
The place of pilgrimage since 1061, the Shrine church contains the Holy House, calling to the mind place of the Annunciation of St Mary.
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