Pilgrimages were important in medieval times as a route to salvation and also as a pretext for travel.
Pilgrims travelled recognised routes stopping off at shrines and cathedrals where relics were venerated and saints worshipped.
Dartford had a boom in its economy due to the many pilgrims stopping at the inns and hostels after a day's walk from London whilst
on their way to the Shrine of Thomas a Becket at Canterbury (the shrine of the murdered archbishop situated in Canterbury cathedral,
which became the most important and most-visited shrine in England), or the shrine of William of Perth at Rochester. In fact so great
were their numbers, the chancel of the Norman church in Dartford was re-built in the 13th century to meet the needs of pilgrims
passing through the town. Two small chapels were added - the St. Thomas a Becket Chapel and The Lady Chapel.
Medieval pilgrims were representative of all social groups and classes, but came mainly from the middle class, like Chaucer’s Canterbury pilgrims
who rode on horseback. Poor pilgrims had to make the journey on foot. Many pilgrims wore the recognised pilgrim uniform comprising
a broad-brimmed hat and russet-coloured gown drawn in above the waist with a belt, rope or rosary. The pilgrims also carried a satchel
or ‘scrip’ and a stout stick or staff.
Dartford’s principal inns for pilgrims and other travellers were Le Hole Bull,
The Saracen’s Head, The Cock-on-the-Hoop, and The Bell. Additional accommodation was also provided by the construction of the Trinity
Almshouse shortly after 1452. This timber-framed building constructed partly on the east bank of the River Darrent and partly on piers
in the river accommodated both resident paupers and visiting pilgrims.
Dartford traders made a reasonable living
selling souvenirs to the pilgrims. To prove they had visited a particular shrine, pilgrims bought lead or pewter souvenir badges.
Two-handled miniature lead pilgrim flasks (ampullae) for holy water or oil could be sewn onto hats or clothes, worn round the neck,
or the contents sprinkled on fields to guarantee a good harvest. Small ampullae purchased at Canterbury contained drops of water that
were reputedly mixed with an essence obtained from the blood and brains of the murdered archbishop. This mixture was supplied to Canterbury pilgrims
until 1538. Dartford traders protested at their loss of income from the manufacture and sale of these souvenirs when Henry VIII abolished
pilgrimages.
