New archbishop to walk 87 mile route from London to Canterbury

The new Archbishop of Canterbury will embark on a six-day pilgrimage to prepare for her installation service.

Dame Sarah Mullally, along with her husband Eamonn, will walk the 140km (87 mile) route from St Paul's Cathedral in London to Canterbury Cathedral before the service on 25 March.

It is the first time in modern history that an Archbishop of Canterbury has undertaken a pilgrimage of this nature in the lead-up to their installation.

While walking the Becket Way, her group will join prayer services at churches, cathedrals and abbeys, as well as meeting with other pilgrims and visiting schools.

Stops will include Southwark Cathedral, Aylesford Priory, the Shrine of St Jude in Faversham, Lesnes Abbey and Rochester Cathedral, Lambeth Palace says.

The final stretch of the journey will see the pilgrims joined by David Monteith, Dean of Canterbury, and members of the Cathedral chapter to walk from the village of Chartham to Canterbury, arriving in time for evensong on Sunday, 22 March.

The group will also give out prayer cards featuring a prayer written by pupils from The Archbishop's School in Canterbury.

'Reflecting on this tradition'

Dame Sarah said: "As I prepare for my installation at Canterbury Cathedral, it feels deeply humbling to be following in the footsteps of those who have walked this ancient route.

"For centuries, faithful pilgrims have flocked to Canterbury, and I will be reflecting on this tradition as we make our way through the Kent countryside and its towns and cities.

"I'm looking forward to visiting local churches, cathedrals and holy sites along the route - and to meeting people, praying with them and hearing their stories."