WORSHIPPERS from all over Essex descended on the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall in Bradwell-on-Sea on Saturday for their annual pilgrimage.
About 600 pilgrims from all Christian denominations found their way to the seaside chapel for a service conducted by the Bishop of Brentwood, the Rt Rev Thomas McMahon, plus the Archdeacon of Harlow Martin Webster and speakers from the Salvation Army.
The chapel is one of the oldest in Britain dating back to 654AD, when it was built by St Cedd on the remains of an ancient Roman fort.
The Rev Brigid Main, 63, said: "It was simply a wonderful day, the weather held up and the service was just perfect.
"At the end of the service many people went down to the sea and took shells from the shore, they walked them up to the church and had them blessed.
"All the feedback I received was really positive, saying how well the day was organised, and I thought the speeches gave everyone a lot to think about."
It took one group of pilgrims four days to walk the 60 miles from St Mark's College in Saffron Walden to attend the event.
Other worshippers had come from as far as Tower Hamlets in east London.
"Some of those from London said that they didn't get to see the sea very much, so it was great for them. It was so good to see everyone worship together and getting on well," said Brigid.
Pilgrims left St Thomas' Church at Bradwell and walked the final two miles to the Chapel, where they enjoyed an indoor worship and then an open-air service.
Margret Hebden, 56, from Southend, attended for the first time this year.
She said: "It was all just so lovely. It was brilliant just sitting outside eating ice cream and listening to the interesting talks by the speakers.
"Everyone was very welcoming, the speeches were perfect, coupled with lively music and in a gorgeous setting."
The theme for the pilgrimage was Faith Alive, and attendees heard the Christchurch, Braintree choir.
