The Camino Inglés

The Camino Inglés, like other Camino routes, has a rich and fascinating history. Pilgrimages from Scandinavia and the British Isles began as early as the 12th century. In 1147, a notable event occurred when a group of Crusaders passed through on their way to the Holy Land. They assisted Portugal’s first king in conquering Lisbon during his struggle against Muslim forces.

Maritime Pilgrimages from the North

Between 1154 and 1159, Icelandic monk Nicholas Bergson recorded one of the earliest maritime pilgrim routes. He travelled from Iceland to Bergen, then passed through Aalborg and Vyborg, eventually sailing down the Kiel Canal. After his sea journey, he continued on foot to Rome before heading to the Holy Land. Many Icelandic and Scandinavian pilgrims followed similar routes, often entering Iberia by sea or crossing France to Roncesvalles.

English Pilgrims and the Hundred Years’ War

During the Hundred Years’ War, English pilgrims avoided land routes through France and travelled by boat to Galicia instead. With royal permission, vessels left from cities like London, Bristol, Southampton, and Plymouth and returned with Galician goods. Coins and ceramics from the 14th and 15th centuries, which still exist in Santiago, provide evidence of these pilgrims. These discoveries were made during archaeological excavations at the cathedral.

Gifts and Offerings to the Apostle

Many seafaring pilgrims left meaningful offerings at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. One outstanding gift is the alabaster altarpiece donated in 1456 by Father John Goodyear from the Isle of Wight. It shows five scenes from St. James’s life, including his mission in Hispania and his martyrdom in Palestine. This beautiful work remains part of the Cathedral Museum collection.

The Pearl Cross and Royal Pilgrimage

Another impressive gift is the “Pearl Cross,” crafted in Paris between 1375 and 1400 using gold, silver, enamel, and gems.
King James IV of Scotland donated the cross, highlighting the devotion of British pilgrims to the Apostle. Pilgrimage from England ended during Henry VIII’s reign, when he broke from the Catholic Church following his divorce from Catherine of Aragón.

Care and Shelter Along the Camino Inglés

Pilgrims of all ranks—nobles, clergy, and commoners—were welcomed in hospitals along the Camino Inglés. The route from Ferrol and A Coruña was made easier by support from the religious order of Sancti Spiritus. From the 14th century, Franciscans also offered shelter in Pontedeume and Betanzos, thanks to Fernán Pérez de Andrade’s generosity. Several pilgrim hospitals were active in Ferrol, Neda, Miño, Paderne, and Betanzos.

Pilgrim Care from A Coruña to Santiago

A pilgrim hospital dedicated to San Lorenzo was founded in Bruma in 1140 and joined Santiago’s hospital system in 1175. Along the A Coruña route, religious orders in the city offered pilgrims places to rest and recover. These included establishments run by the orders of Los Ángeles, Santa Catalina, and San Andrés. As pilgrims moved, more shelters appeared in places like Sigrás and Poulo.

Pilgrim Records and Historical Evidence

Many of these shelters had chapels and cemeteries, preserving records of the pilgrims who passed through. These included English, Nordic, French, German, and Italian travellers, proving the route’s wide historical significance. Such records confirm the Camino Inglés as a vital part of the greater network of Jacobean pilgrimage routes.

Learn More About the Camino Inglés

We invite you to visit our blog if you’d like to explore this route further. There, you’ll find more articles about the Camino Inglés to help you plan your own pilgrimage.