Pilgrims Honour St Walstan with Walk to Well

On Sunday 1 June, parishioners from the Church of Our Lady and St Walstan in Old Costessey undertook a pilgrimage to St Walstan’s Well in Bawburgh, the site where the saint was buried in 1016.

The four-mile walk, a cherished tradition within the parish, commemorates the life and witness of St Walstan, who is venerated as the patron saint of farm workers and the countryside. Along the way, walkers reflected on the saint’s humility and devotion, thought to have included his work as a labourer at Breck Farm.

Upon arriving at the Well, they were joined by parishioners who had travelled by car, as well as nuns from the Convent of Our Lady of Walsingham in Dereham — regular and much-loved visitors to the parish. A short service was held at the Well, bringing everyone together in prayer and thanksgiving for St Walstan’s life.

Following the service, all enjoyed a shared picnic in the peaceful surroundings. Those who had driven kindly offered lifts back to Costessey, ensuring the walkers could return comfortably.

St Walstan’s reputation for holiness endures to this day, especially his gift for healing both animals and people. The pilgrimage served as a joyful expression of community, faith, and enduring devotion to one of East Anglia’s beloved saints.

Picture courtesy of Fr David Ward.

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