PONTEFRACT RELIVES MEDIEVAL HISTORY

A medieval pilgrim walk will pass through Pontefract this July - some 500 years since pilgrims were a familiar sight in the town.

Visitors will have the chance to hear medieval music, see dancing from the period and talk to pilgrims in replica medieval costume.

The pilgrims are taking part in a 36-mile sponsored walk from Nostell Priory to York Minster to raise money for local charities.

Councillor Denise Jeffery, Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Sport said: "This is an opportunity for the people of Pontefract to relive an important piece of their history. We are looking forward to welcoming the pilgrims for a well-earned rest in Pontefract and wish them luck with the rest of their walk."

The pilgrims will set off from Nostell on the morning of 6 July and aim to arrive at York Minster on the morning of 9 July, to coincide with the start of the York Mystery Plays.

They will be entertaining visitors at Pontefract Castle on Thursday 6 July between 3pm and 4.30pm.

Pontefract was an important religious centre in medieval times, with St John's Priory, numerous chapels and religious buildings, and even a shrine to local martyr Thomas Earl of Lancaster.

The procession from Pontefract town centre to the Castle will leave Pontefract marketplace at 2.45pm on Thursday 6 July and will arrive at the Castle at around 3pm.

Ref: PR889
Date: 26/06/06

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