Houghton St. Giles |
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A small village just south of Little Walsingham, Houghton St. Giles is noteable for the Roman Catholic shrine at the Slipper Chapel. So named because pilgrims would leave their shoes behind on the last leg of their journey to Walsingham, walking barefoot along the 'Holy Mile'. It was built in 1325 and dedicated to the patron saint of pilgrims, St. Catherine. The chapel was dissolved in 1538 and fell into ruin. In the late 1890s it was restored and was used again by pilgrims in 1897. In 1934 it became the Roman Catholic National Shrine to Our Lady. Compared to the Slipper Chapel, the parish church of St. Giles often seems neglected, with the crowds who visit the former in the summer months, especially. However, it is well worth a visit if only to see its magnificent 15th century rood screen. In the panels are the painted figures of the 'Holy Women and their children'; and the 'Teacher and the Church'. They are very well painted and have thankfully not been spoilt by an attempt at restoration. James Rowles |
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