28 December 1471
Monks at Canterbury opened the doors of the Cathedral to pilgrims at night. They allowed the pilgrims to shelter from inclement weather, feeding them, allowing them access to relics and permitting them to sleep inside the Cathedral. The pilgrims had been gathering by the doors of the Cathedral to ensure their entry on the feast of St. Thomas.
Image: Detail of a miniature of Lydgate and pilgrims on the road to Canterbury, at the beginning of the prologue to the Siege of Thebes. Attributed to Gerard Horenbout. c. 1516-1523. British Library MS Royal 18 D II f. 148.