Pilgrimage Route

Pilgrimage Route. . A known ancient trackway passed near Sittingbourne along the route of the current A2. The Romans paved the track and it became Watling Street, the main route from Dover to London and on to St Albans. The route became popular with pilgrims travelling to Canterbury to pay their respects to the shrine of Thomas Becket. Sittingbourne became a popular stopping off point on the route. The pilgrimage to Canterbury was made famous, when it became the setting for Chaucer's 'The Canterbury Tales'., It is reported that in 1415, Henry V stayed at The Red Lion in Sittingbourne, on his way back from his famous victory at Agincourt. In 1522 and again in 1532, Henry VIII also stayed at the Red Lion, then simply called The Lyon. The town also provided accommodation for his bride Anne Boleyn and a retinue of 2000 men., Sittingbourne became an important stopping point on the coach route between London and Dover, with many inns opening up in the town. A coach used to take 5 days to get from London to Dover but with the introduction of express coaches, the journey was cut to 2 days, with an overnight stay at Sittingbourne. Princess Victoria stayed at the Rose Inn, while travelling between London and Dover. Some inns, like The George and The Red Lion, are still in business today.