The history of Leicestershire's medieval pilgrims is set to be revealed for the first time.

New research shows how county folk made difficult journeys to distant religious shrines in the Middle Ages.

This important spiritual activity is rarely documented in history books.

Now, thanks to the work of metal detector enthusiasts, a picture of the pilgrims, their travels and daily lives is finally being pieced together from finds turned up in local fields.

Relics of lead ore have been discovered from journeys to shrines such as Canterbury, Walsingham, St Andrews in Scotland, and Windsor – where the tomb of Henry VI is housed.

Peter Liddle, community archeologist for Leicestershire County Council, said: "When I started with the county museums service over 20 years ago our collection included just a handful of religious relics.

"But thanks to the work of metal detectorists and the portable antiquities scheme, particularly since 2003, we are building a picture of the journeys undertaken by Leicestershire's pilgrims. We now have about 75 relics, many of which have been donated to us.

"The finds include small flasks which held holy water from the shrines and medallions.

"The flasks were used as 'medieval first aid kits' which were used to heal wounds or cure illnesses."

"Interestingly, the inscriptions tell us about pilgrimages to lesser known shrines such as Burton Abbey and the shrine of St Modwen and the Black Madonna of Doncaster, which was a statue of the Virgin Mary."

Relics date from the early 13th century through to the 16th century and Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries.

Mr Liddle said: "Many were likely to have simply been discarded in fields when churches were cleared out.

"The relics are like a kind of code which helps us to piece together the history of people's lives not recorded in many history books. They are absolutely invaluable in bringing this history to life.

"Many are slightly worn on one side, which indicates they were often rubbed by their owners.

"The fact people made pilgrimages of such distances tells us just how important spirituality was in the lives of Leicestershire people."

Wendy Scott, county co-ordinator for the portable antiquities scheme, said: "We are now building up a database cataloging all of the finds.

"It is the work of all the metal detector people which has made this possible and shows just how valuable their ongoing contribution is."

Mr Liddle will be giving a talk on Leicestershire's medieval pilgrimages at Donington le Heath Manor House, near Coalville, on Wednesday, February 24, at 7.30pm.

Richard Knox, keeper of Donington, said: "It will be a fascinating evening and offer a glimpse of the county's history which, until now, we knew very little about."

A paper detailing the research is now being put together.

Admission is free but booking is required by calling the manor house on 01530 831 259.

For more information about the Portable Antiquities Scheme and the recorded pilgrim objects, Wendy Scott can be contacted on 0116 305 8325, or by e-mailing:

Wendy.Scott@leics.gov.uk