National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham

The National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham was founded in 1061 by Lady Richeldis de Faverches, the local noblewoman. She prayed that she may undertake some work for Our Lady, and in the Pynson Ballad of 1485, it says:

“ Our Lady led Richeldis in spirit to Nazareth and showed her the house where the angel had greeted her. ‘Look, daughter’ said Our Lady. ‘Take the measurements of this house and erect another one like it in Walsingham, dedicated to praising and honouring me. All who come there shall find help in their need.

‘It shall be a perpetual memorial to the great joy of the Annunciation, ground and origin of all my joys and the root of humanity’s gracious Redemption. This came about through Gabriel’s message that I would be a mother through my humility, and conceive God’s Son in virginity.”  [Pynson Ballad 1485]

It is the only place that Our Lady visited in the UK. To this day, the shrine has 250,000 pilgrims visiting every year, either staying at the Shrine's accomodation, at local accomodation, or on day trips. It has been host of many Marian Pilgrimages from across the country and Europe.