Bawburgh St Walstan’s Day

St Walstan was born into the East Anglian royal family in 975 but despite his exalted status he chose a life of labour and toil on the local farms; a legend tells of how on his death, two white oxen drew his cortege to the spot where the church and shrine now stand. Walstan thus became patron saint of farmers and agricultural workers and his feast day falls on 30th May; miracles are said to have taken place after visits to his shrine and it was a popular destination for pilgrims in medieval times . Nowadays a special service is held on a Sunday near this date.Expect a procession following  a service in the Church to the Well in the orchard nearby, then tasty tea and cakes.

Helpful Hints

The event can fall in late May or early June depending on how the days of the week fall that year. In 2024 it was on Sunday 2nd June at 11 am- 2025 date is yet to be announced.

In 2016 there were special extra events to mark Walstan’s 1000th anniversary and the events took place from 2.30 but in regular years the anniversary is usually marked at morning service.

Click here for the church website: http://www.bawburghvillage.co.uk/Church/our_church.html

and here: http://www.bawburghvillage.co.uk/Church/Church%20Services.html

and here for the village: http://www.bawburghvillage.co.uk

For a first-hand account of the 2016 celebrations click here : https://traditionalcustomsandceremonies.wordpress.com/2016/05/31/custom-survived-st-walstans-day-pilgrimage-bawburgh-norfolk/

Many thanks to Ross Parish for drawing this custom to my attention!