InfoBritain

 

Personal Note Archive February 2007

 

 

February 2007

George Inn, Southwark

The earliest "tourists" in Britain were pilgrims. You could say that the earliest example of travel writing in Britain was the fourteenth century story of a group of pilgrims, The Canterbury Tales, by Geoffrey Chaucer. Some of Chaucer's pilgrims travelled for fun, some were earnest, spiritual types who sought enlightenment, and some were trying to get away from something. You could say that these pilgrims seemed to be on different roads going to different places. And yet all of Chaucer's pilgrims went on the same journey from Southwark to Canterbury. Travellers these days are as varied as Chaucer's pilgrims, and so are their reasons for travelling. I visit places for fun - having children means that fun is essential - and I have an earnest, spiritual side, although my wife tells me that I shouldn't be looking for enlightenment when I have difficulty finding my keys. Visiting Canterbury Cathedral this month I could have been merely an easy-going tourist, or someone seeking enlightenment. Chaucer might say that both types of journey can be one and the same.

Visit Eastbridge Hospital in Canterbury High Street, established in the 1170s to provide accommodation for pilgrims travelling to Canterbury.