15th century Pilgrim badge from the shrine of Richard of Caister at St. Stephen’s Norwich. Caister is shown preaching from his pulpit, framed by an ‘R’ shaped scroll (Museum of London)
In 1404, having been granted a large loan by its citizens, the grateful King Henry IV issued a charter giving Norwich the status of a County separate from Norfolk, to be ruled by its own Mayor and two Sheriffs.
In 1402 a new vicar had been appointed to St. Stephen’s. Master Richard of Caister was highly respected for his God-fearing lifestyle and earnest preaching in English, applying the Word of God in practical ways to the everyday lives of all, regardless of wealth, education or social status.
In the early 15th century, Norwich was large, prosperous and actively Christian in outlook, following the Catholic traditions of the Cathedral and parish churches, but also ready to give safe haven to religious recluses, mystics, hermits and anchorites such as Mother Julian of Norwich.
Unlike the reclusive Julian, Margery Kempe of Lynn was illiterate and a married mother of 14 children with a deeply passionate faith in God. This ‘creature… thought she was bound to God and that she would be his servant.’ (The Book of Margery Kempe, Book 1, Chapter 2)
In about 1413, Margery was commanded by the Lord to go to St. Stephen’s in Norwich:
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Having heard her testimony, the godly Richard was convinced that her faith was genuine and supported her for the rest of his life, caring little for public opinion or prejudice:
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For many years Margery travelled widely on pilgrimage through England, Europe, even to the Holy Land. Her occasional visits to Richard always brought encouragement, for here was a true man of God who listened to her, accepted her visions and shared in her faith:
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- All boxed quotations taken from The Book of Margery Kempe, Book 1 chapter 17
As vicar of St. Stephen’s for 18 years, Richard of Caister influenced the first mayors and sheriffs of Norwich during the early years of the city’s new status. Respected by those in power, he was unusually sympathetic to women and cared deeply for the poor, always ready to listen, advise and offer practical support and guidance. When he died in 1420, his Will left almost all of his wealth to those in need ‘since the goods of the Church according to the canons are the goods of the poor’. He was buried in the chancel of
St. Stephen’s. Many felt drawn to pray there, several healing miracles were reported and his shrine became a popular pilgrimage destination for the local poor of East Anglia and even as far afield as Kent.