Pilgrimage to pass through Audlem

The relics of St Werbergh will be carried through Audlem in June as part of the 1,100th anniversary of the Translation of St Werbergh's relics from Hanbury in Staffordshire to Chester. The pilgrims will pass through Audlem, probably on 19th June.

The 70 mile walk, over four days, involves carrying a feretory – we are told it's similar to a canopy with four poles and will contain relics – across country from Hanbury to Audlem and then northwards along the Shropshire Union canal to Chester. On 21st June, which is St Werbergh's Saints Day, there will be a special service in the Cathedral.

The pilgimage will be led by David Pickering, the Chairman of Chester Cathedral Council. He is growing his beard after deciding not to shave until 21st June. During the pilgrimage, he will adopt the name 'Cedric the Conversi', the name of a character in the Chester Historical Pageant in 1937. Conversi, we are told, is a bearded trainee monk. When Audlem Online met with David last week, the beard was developing well.

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