Pilgrimage or Morris Tour?






































Pilgrimage of Morris Tour ? 

A good question! In the end, I thought the best answer was,"Yes !" And, when I began to treat it like a pilgrimage something changed.
Travelling down to Kent from Norfolk, we speculated about Thomas a Becket true martyr or something else? Silly fool, he bit the hand that fed him! That is the King's hand! What did he expect!
Unlike Oscar Romero of El Salvador, gunned down in his own cathedral church for supporting the poor, Becket was trying to extend the rights of the Church. Not quite the same thing. And, of course, extending the rights of the Church was to the Pope's advantage. So, of course, he made Thomas a saint! 

Who gained from Becket's martyrdom ?  Who still gains?
















It has even been suggested, on the basis of heraldry, that Canterbury Cathedral are offing pay day loans to cover the entrance fee!





Later, dancing at the White Horse at Chilham, we were able to contrast and compare the welcome pilgrims receive at Canterbury and Chilham

On the subject of Turbulent Priests,  John Ball took centre stage. Imprisoned in Maidstone, Ball was releasaed during the Peasants' Revolt in 1381 before preaching his, famous, Blackheath sermon, "When Adam delved and Eve span who was then a gentleman?"   In a music session in the pub, we sang, Sydney Carter's, "Sing John Ball ."  




https://youtu.be/vwNYRTykPq4

Who’ll be the lady, who will be the lord 


When we are ruled by the love of one another 

Who’ll be the lady, who will be the lord 

In the life that is coming in the morning 




Chorus 

Sing, John Ball and tell it to them all 

Long live the day that is dawning 

And I'll crow like a cock, I'll carol like a lark 
For the life that is coming in the morning 




Eve is the lady, Adam is the lord 

When we are ruled by the love of one another 

Eve is the lady, Adam is the lord 

In the life that is coming in the morning 
Chorus… 




All shall be ruled by fellowship I say 

All shall be ruled by the love of one another 

All shall be ruled by fellowship I say 

In the life that is coming in the morning 
Chorus… 




Labour and spin for fellowship I say 

Labour and spin for the love of one another 

Labour and spin for fellowship I say 

And the life that is coming in the morning 
Chorus…2x 

           1381 that sermon was preached and it is still echoing today!

Monday and two more Sydney Carter songs come to mind

"Said Jesus to Mary "
















And, unsurprisingly  Lord of the Dance


















After which, the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway prompted thoughts of predestination





















Finally, on the way home what a joy it was to meet pilgrims from St. Michael's Wood End on their way back from Walsingham.




Chaucers Pilgrims met at the Tabbard. We met at the Barton Mills MacDonald's!


Pilgrimage of Morris Tour ? Yes!

There were thoughtful conversations on the way; it was a time apart and an opportunity to get a fresh perspective on life; and, this is the clincher for me:  coincidences, synchronous happenings and providence conspired to give the journey spiritual meaning and deepen understanding. For me it was the Pilgrimage of the Turbulent Priest. 

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