Pilgrims can now follow in the footsteps of a Welsh outlaw, hanged and then miraculously brought back to life, after a new route was launched at Hereford Cathedral.
St Thomas’ Way runs from Swansea to Hereford and invites visitors to follow in the footsteps of medieval Welsh warrior, William Cragh. Cragh was hanged in Swansea in 1290 and then brought back to life in what was hailed as a miracle of St Thomas of Hereford. So, Cragh travelled from Swansea to Hereford on pilgrimage to give thanks at the shrine of the saint.
The heritage route is based around 13 locations from Swansea to Hereford and available online at the new St Thomas’s Way website here.
Each route has interactive, multimedia digital content, as well as a self-contained circular walking route with the chance to solve an online puzzle and win a virtual badge for each location – in the tradition of the pilgrim badges collected by medieval pilgrims on their travels.
Professor Catherine Clarke of the University of Southampton, Project Director, said ‘The weird and wonderful story of Swansea’s hanged man is a brilliant way into the strange and fascinating world of the medieval March of Wales. Visitors and local communities will be able to discover some real hidden treasures and little-known stories on this beautiful heritage route.’
Canon Chris Pullin of Hereford Cathedral said: ‘Though less well known today, St Thomas of Hereford was an important saint in the Middle Ages and his shrine was a major pilgrimage destination. We hope this new route will encourage visitors to explore his story, and to experience the benefits of pilgrimage for wellbeing, recreation and renewal.’
Read the story in the Guardian and Lord Selborne’s Pilgrimage round all our 42 Cathedrals earlier this year here
