On Pilgrimage: The Northern Saints Trails - a lockdown walk along the Way of Light from Heavenfield to Hexham

The video is available via the IMEMS Facebook page.

Abstract

From her lockdown home-working base of Hexham, Northumberland, Durham World Heritage Site Coordinator, Jane Gibson will take a stroll along the northern end of the Way of Light, one of the recently launched Northern Saints Trails. As part of my daily exercise, I often find myself travelling these ancient routes of pilgrimage as they pass by my home and in this brief exploration, I will visit places significant to the lives of two of our Northern Saints, Oswald and Wilfrid. During the past year, with its ups and downs, the opportunity to connect with these special people and reflect on their qualities in nature has been a great help to me. I hope that I will be able to give you a taste of these special places and routes and introduce you to this and the other five Trails all of which will (I hope soon) once again bring modern-day pilgrims to their journey's end at Durham Cathedral, the resting place of Cuthbert, Bede and even Oswald (well, part of him, at least).

Jane Gibson has been World Heritage Site Coordinator for Durham Castle and Cathedral WHS for the past seven years. Having read archaeology at Durham University, she spent the first half of her career working in the field of Collections Management in several national museums, including the National Maritime, Science and Royal Air Force Museums. Returning to live and work in the North East of England, she worked in Beamish Open Air Museum as Head of Historic Operations, managing and developing the costumed interpretation and activities across the museum. More recently, she has managed and supported heritage project partnerships ranging from the Cumbria Museums Consortium, The Hexham Abbey Project and now coordinates the partnership of key stakeholders and custodians of Durham World Heritage Site.

Suggested Readings

Adams, M. 2013. The King in the North: The Life and Times of Oswald of Northumbria. New York: Head of Zeus.

Bede (1988). A History of the English Church and People. (Sherley-Price, L. translator). New York: Penguin Classics.

Northumberland County Council. 2009. Short Walks around St Oswald's Way. Northern Heritage.

https://www.stoswaldsway.com/short-distance-walks

https://www.thisisdurham.com/northernsaints/trails

https://www.visitcountydurham.org

If you would like further information or have any questions please contact Jane: p.j.gibson@durham.ac.uk