National Shrine of Our Lady

Introduction

The National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham, within the Diocese of East Anglia, was declared by Cardinal Francis Bourne on 19 August 1934 to be the National Shrine of Our Lady for Roman Catholics in England.

History

In 1061, Richeldis de Faverches was led in spirit to Nazareth and asked to build a replica house at Walsingham as a memorial of the Annunciation. Around 1130, a community of Augustinian Canons took charge of the foundation at Walsingham. In 1538, the Holy House and original Shrine were completely destroyed and the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was taken to London to be burnt. In 1896, Charlotte Pearson Boyd purchased the Slipper Chapel and commissioned architect Thomas Garner to restore it.

From 1968 to 2014 the Shrine was administered by the Marist Fathers, assisted by the Marist Sisters. In June 2025, the Congregation of the Sisters of the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from India joined the Shrine.

Architecture and furnishings

In 1934, James and Lilian Dagless made the altar and reredos for the Chapel of St Catherine. Canadian artist Marcel Barbeau designed a new statue for the Slipper Chapel, made by W.F. Knight of Wellingborough. The Chapel of Our Lady of Reconciliation was built beginning September 1980, replacing an open-sided outdoor chapel built in 1973. The Slipper Chapel, the last wayside chapel on the pilgrim route, is an almost unparalleled example of mid-fourteenth century gothic craftsmanship.

The earliest image of the original statue of Our Lady of Walsingham appears on the seal of the original Priory, appended to the Act of Supremacy signed by the Canons of Walsingham by order of Henry VIII. A new West Window of the Annunciation was designed by Alfred Fisher and installed in 1997.

Parish life

Over 250,000 pilgrims and visitors come to the National Shrine each year. Most summer weekends host Diocesan or other major pilgrimages at the Shrine. Traditional residential pilgrimages lodge in the Shrine's accommodation at Elmham House.

Regular events

The Shrine offers daily recitation of the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Pilgrims can take off their shoes at the Slipper Chapel and walk the holy mile barefoot, praying the Rosary as they walk.

Sacraments and pastoral care

The Novena for the celebration of Our Lady of Walsingham starts on 15th September and finishes on 23rd September, with a different intention each day for the needs of the Country and Church. The Shrine Team prays the Novena 9 days ahead of the Feast of the Annunciation and from 15th September as preparation for the Feast of Our Lady of Walsingham.

Visiting

Visitors can place prayerful petitions before the Statue of Our Lady of Walsingham in the Slipper Chapel. Visitors can light a candle in the candle cloister. The Shrine has grounds and facilities including a Gift Shop and Tea Room.

Visitors can visit the Anglican shrine and gardens. The Novena in honour of Our Lady of Walsingham may be prayed at any time, especially before a pilgrimage or trip to Walsingham.

The Shrine launched a new Wall of Honour in September 2026. The village Coach Park is accessed from the Shrine via the Holy Mile.