FAITH AND DEVOTION

From caves to isles, our medieval forebears found spiritual significance in sites across the land, says Emma Wells

A round-up of must-visit holy sites, abbeys, cathedrals and more

The Church was the most powerful institution in the medieval era, its influence reaching almost every sphere of people’s existence. Its religious observances gave shape to the calendar and its sacramental rituals marked the most significant moments in people’s lives, including birth and marriage to the last rites for the dying, while its teachings on heaven and hell influenced people’s behaviour.

The Church’s immense wealth was showcased through the grand cathedrals, monasteries and parish churches that were built during the medieval period. But sites shaped by nature were also part of medieval faith. Certain features of the landscape, such as caves, wells and hills, were deemed more sacred than others and offered havens of quiet contemplation. Which places did our medieval ancestors deem more sacred than others and why are they so special?

1. GLASTONBURY TOR, SOMERSET Rising above the Somerset Levels, this conical hill is steeped in spirituality. A site of pagan and early Christian settlement for more than 1,000 years, the Tor reputedly sits on the legendary ‘Isle of Avalon’ (the burial place of the King Arthur), crowned by the 14th-century St Michael’s Tower. Free. Open daily. 01278 751 874, nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor

2. ST NINIAN’S CAVE, DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY Legend has it that this cave was the retreat of Scotland’s first saint, Ninian, credited with bringing Christianity to Britain in the 4th century. Several early crosses here give credence to this belief and its significance as a place of pilgrimage. Free. Open daily. Physgill, DG8 8JU. historicenvironment.scot

3. IONA, INNER HEBRIDES This tiny isle, just off Mull, is one of the most sacred places in western Europe. The symbolic birthplace of Scottish Christianity, where St Columba arrived in 563AD to cnovert pagan Scotland and northern England to the new faith, it is also the reputed resting place of 48 Scottish kings, including Macbeth. welcometoiona.com

4. LINDISFARNE HOLY ISLAND, NORTHUMBERLAND A haven of early Christianity, this treasure remains an international centre of pilgrimage. Lindisfarne, commonly known as Holy Island, is reached by a three-mile-long causeway at

low tide. The island suffered many dramatic Viking raids, while the Anglo-Saxon priory birthed the spectacular Lindisfarne Gospels and is the former burial site of St Cuthbert. Free (priory £6.80). Open daily (check tides). TD15 2SH. lindisfarne.org.uk

5. ST NECTAN’S GLEN, CORNWALL Hidden away in a valley of ancient woodland, this fairytale glen is counted among the most spiritual sites in Britain. The 6th-century St Nectan is believed to have located his hermitage here, above the waterfalls that tumble through the prehistoric slate into a deep basin. £5.95. Open daily. Trethevy, PL34 0BG. 01840 779 538, st-nectansglen.co.uk

6. BARDSEY ISLAND, GWYNEDD This island off the Llyn Peninsula became a refuge for persecuted Christians in the 5th century. The mythical resting ground of 20,000 saints (as well as King Arthur, as some claim it is the true Avalon), it was a popular pilgrimage destination, as three visits to Bardsey equalled one to Rome. Day trip £30. Open daily to October. 08458 112 233, bardsey.org

7. ST PETER ON THE WALL, ESSEX This bold-yet-simple chapel is one of Britain’s oldest intact Christian churches. Erected on an abandoned Roman fort by St Cedd, Bishop of the East Saxons, in 653AD, this active chapel enjoys a peace that is reflected in its inscription: “In this place the word is revealed to you.” Free. Open daily. Bradwell-on-Sea, CM0 7PN. 01621 776 438, bradwellchapel.org