The purpose of the Fund is to develop the essence of the Camino pilgrimage on the paths of the St James’ Way from Reading to Southampton for the pilgrims who seek to discover it.

Its first goal has been achieved – the glorious presentation of the Santiago Cross on the route at a place that is open to pilgrims to reflect and energise their spirit.  On 13^th July 2024, Bishop Philip of Winchester blessed the bronze Santiago Pilgrim’s Shell on the Beaufort Tower of The Hospital of St Cross in Winchester.  It marks the Hospital’s visible affiliation with Santiago-bound pilgrims who arrive at their door to claim the ‘dole’ (beer and bread).  This is a tradition that the Almshouse of Noble Poverty has kept since 1132.

A brother and the Master of the Hospital of St Cross with the Bishop of Winchester at the blessing of the Santiago Pilgrim’s Shell, which can be seen on the Beaufort Tower between them.

Potential future developments include:

• the installation of granite pilgrimage way markers (‘Mouteira’ in Galician) in Reading, Winchester and Southampton.
• the installation of bronze scallop shell waymarks in the pavements of streets to Winchester Cathedral.
• the addition of pilgrim notices on countryside posts.

The Fund was created in 2022 to enable David Sinclair and Adrian Croft to seek sponsors for its aims.  The pair walked the entire route in a record 3 days, from 5th to 7th August, with others.

Contributing to the Fund represents a way of expressing your thanks for this English Camino.