RICHMOND SCHOOL – LINKS TO THE CAMINO INGLÉS – FAMOUS PILGRIMAGE ROUTE
We were recently contacted by Judith Wardell, a local resident of Melsonby, who explained that she was involved in a project to map and promote the English section of the Camino Inglés – the pilgrimage route historically taken by pilgrims from England to a shrine said to contain the remains of the apostle St James at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The most popular pilgrimage route is the ‘French Way’, the ‘Camino Frances’ from St Jean Pied-de-Port at the western end of the Pyrenees in France, through northern Spain, to the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela.
However, there are many routes to Santiago de Compostela, taken by pilgrims from all corners of western Europe. Judith explained that medieval pilgrims from northern England as well as from Scotland and Scandinavia used to seek advice from the hermit and experienced pilgrim, Godric (Godrich) at what is now Finchale Priory, just north of Durham, before they continued their journey on foot and by sea to Spain. Boats from England docked at either Ferrol or A Coruña on the north coast of Spain and pilgrims continued their walk via what is now known as the Camino Inglés to Santiago de Compostela.
Judith contacted Richmond School because as part of her research into the English section of the Camino Inglés, she had become aware that the school emblem features an image of St. James in a pilgrim’s clothing and was intrigued to find out why. The old Richmond Grammar School also used to publish an annual collection of poetry and prose writing by pupils called “The Compostelian”. There were clearly historical links between the Camino Inglés and Richmond School.
We recently met with Judith, along with Keith Taylor, Chair of the Friends of Finchale Camino – very involved in the development and promotion of the Camino Inglés, to find out more and to discover whether there were any potential links that could be made with the school and the Camino Inglés project.
During our meeting Keith and Judith explained that the English section of the Camino Inglés had already been mapped and signposted from Finchale Priory to Durham, through Bishop Auckland and as far as Gainford. This section had been officially sanctioned as part of the pilgrimage by the Camino authorities in Spain. The aim now was to extend the official route past Gainford through Piercebridge, Aldbrough St John, Melsonby, Hartford, Gilling West and Richmond. Eventually the route would link up with an extensive network of other pilgrimage routes in England, reaching Reading and finally the south coast – the Camino Inglés would be complete!
Much of the mapping and signposting of the route from Gainford to Richmond and even further south has already been completed, but there is much historical research still to be undertaken.
Judith has recently been working with Judith Harwood, who volunteers at the tourist information centre in Richmond and runs guided walks. Judith Harwood’s research proposes an explanation for St. James being on the school crest: the original Richmond Grammar School was funded by the sale of a number of chantry chapels in Richmond. The most profitable of these was St. James’ chapel, the site of which was found on St. James Chapel Wynd, a tiny cobbled street linking Bridge Street and Cravengate in Richmond. As to why St. James is dressed as a pilgrim on the crest and whether there is a connection between the crest and the Camino Inglés? There is still some fascinating historical detective work to be done here.
It was a fascinating and wide ranging discussion with the potential for a number of different links with the curriculum, students and staff at the school and the local community. Both Keith and Judith also volunteer at the prestigious Auckland Project and are keen to establish links between Richmond and the amazing opportunities and facilities in and around Bishop Auckland.
Thank you to Judith and Keith for taking the time to visit the school. We hope that this is just the start of a productive relationship that can be mutually beneficial to a wide range of people, from the students and staff at the school to the wider community.
We know that Richmond is steeped in history of all ages and that the depth of local knowledge is fantastic. If any of our readers think that they may have information that could help the Camino Inglés project, or would like to find out more or get further involved, please don’t hesitate to contact us at the school – we will put you into contact with Judith and Keith.
Further information can also be found at the Finchale Camino Ingles Facebook page, here: