An ambitious proposal to redevelop the riverside Catholic Marian shrine lying south of Walsingham village is meeting stiff opposition from local people and heritage groups

The Catholic shrine in Walsingham has become central to Marian devotion with the recent rededication of England as the Dowry of Mary. The statue of Our Lady of Walsingham was taken on a “Dowry Tour” of England’s cathedrals in preparation, but because of the Covid-19 crisis the ceremony was livestreamed from the shrine to more than half-a-million homes. The Rector of the Shrine, Mgr John Armitage, quoted the prophecy of Pope Leo XIII, who wrote to the English bishops in 1893: “When England goes back to Walsingham, Our Lady will return to England.”

During the lockdown, hundreds of thousands of people have been virtual pilgrims to Walsingham, thanks to its extensive livestreaming programme. When physical pilgrimages resume, they will of necessity be smaller, but the shrine’s administrators are preparing for the day when they can welcome large numbers once again.

Catholic architect Anthony Delarue has submitted plans to North Norfolk District Council to double the indoor space at the site with a much bigger church, covered walkways, a pilgrim centre and improved facilities for visitors. There is a consensus that the latter are sorely needed. Mgr Armitage launched the first version of the development scheme in 2015, soon after he became Rector, but the sensitivity of the site and other difficulties have long delayed the project.