Green King Pilgrimage to St George's, Windsor Chapel
Thu 19 Dec 2024 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Runnymede, Windsor, TW20 0AE
Description
St George's Chapel is the seat of royal and earthly power, and George is the Green Man.
This beautiful day route, 6 miles long from Runnymede to St George's Chapel, Windsor, centres around St George as the Green Man, the Magna Carta and our King. The cover photo of this event above is taken from the Coronation Invitation of 6th May, the international day of St George. To understand more what that means, visit the following article on Green Men & Women.
Led by the British Pilgrimage Trust's (BPT's) Guy Hayward, there will be dialogue between folklore and religion – think Green Man and the Dragon, St George, King John, our late Queen's burial place and our King's potential, and a discussion of how you can be sovereign over yourself.
You will meet Runnymede and its art installations, site of the signing of the Magna Carta, Windsor Great Park and its ancient oaks, Copper Horse Statue, the Long Walk and St George's Chapel, where you will hear choral evensong sung by the royal choir.
We hope to engage the green force within you.
Qualities of the Day: Telling many folkloric tales that mesh ancient Pagan and Christian stories - New ways of meeting holy places - Pilgrim songs on the path - Opportunities for silence - Rediscovering your place in the British pilgrimage tradition - Natural beauty - Elemental power.
This is a 'Bring Your Own Beliefs' pilgrimage.
What to bring
Packed lunch; appropriate clothes and shoes; Waterproofs or Umbrella; Waterbottle.
Travel
We will start at 11.30am at Runnymede NT Memorial Tea Room Car Park, but recommend not parking your car there but rather at the end, Windsor, as the Runnymede car park shuts at 5pm, which would mean you can't go to evensong in Windsor.
Windsor or Egham train station (Egham is nearish Runnymede Car Park, so walkable in an hour), or catch bus or taxi/Uber from Egham or Windsor.
The pilgrimage will end at St George's Chapel, Windsor, no later than 5pm in time for choral evensong at 5.15-6.00pm. Then you can go back to your cars there, or catch train.
FAQ’s
Do you offer concessions? We offer some free or discounted places to pilgrims on certain types of income-related Universal Credit, PIP, DLA ESA , JSA etc. Contact us on info@britishpilgrimage.org to find out if you qualify.
If I'm a school teacher, can I come for free? Yes, we offer free places to teachers, particularly if they are interested in introducing pilgrimage to their students.
What is your refund policy? See our full policy on cancellations, postponements and ticket transfers here:
Who can come? Anyone over 18 (or under 18 with parental guidance, bearing in mind the walking distance).
Is this religious? This is a faith-neutral pilgrimage including a variety of traditions and practices. We operate a “Bring Your Own Beliefs” policy, where pilgrims can choose when to engage and participate. We ask that all pilgrims respect one another, whatever their beliefs.
Will I be asked to share my feelings with the group? We like to keep things light and breezy, so there will be no group emotional sharing moments. If you want to share your feelings in personal conversation when walking with others that is up to you, but certainly not compulsory.
Are there fitness limitations? This route involves hills, some road walking, and conditions may be muddy underfoot. Pilgrimage is moderately intense; if you find walking all day a challenge, this type of pilgrimage may be an unsuitable activity for you right now. This pilgrimage can be made accessible depending on your individual needs and mobility aids. If you have other access needs please get in touch to discuss how we can best include your individual requirements.
Can I bring my dog? Sadly not - we can’t accommodate dogs on our guided pilgrimages. However, if you have a registered assistance dog, they are welcome.
What does the price cover? This pilgrimage is a fundraiser for registered charity British Pilgrimage Trust. 20% of the ticket fee is VAT. 10% of funds raised are donated to the places we visit along the route. Around 50% of your ticket covers the costs of providing your guide, including research and route surveys. Any remaining funds support our charitable work including thousands for free resources to enable people to make their own journeys. For more details about our charitable activities, please check here.
We hope to see you on the path.
If you would like to make a donation in addition to, or in place of, a ticket, click here.
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Location
Runnymede, Windsor, TW20 0AE