Edwardtide

Celebrating Saint Edward

During Edwardtide, we celebrate the life of St Edward the Confessor, the king and saint whose shrine lies at the heart of the Abbey. St Edward was canonised in 1161, and to this day pilgrims come to pray at his shrine.

What happens during Edwardtide?

A number of special services take place during the five-day celebration, which takes place annually during the second week of October. Services include:

First Evensong of the Translation of St Edward the Confessor
The Translation of St Edward the Confessor, 1163, 1269.
Evensong celebrating the Feast of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey
Festival Eucharist
First Evensong of the Dedication of Westminster Abbey

National Pilgrimage Day

Our annual Pilgrimage day gives you the opportunity to visit the Abbey and experience its beauty in an atmosphere characterised by prayer.

A welcome liturgy is offered on arrival, and pilgrims will be able to pray at the Shrine of St Edward – the king and saint who re-founded the Abbey – and in other spaces set aside in the Abbey.

Priests will be available for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and a chapel will be set aside for the Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament

The National Pilgrimage Day takes place on the second Saturday in October.