Why did medieval English authorities worry about some pilgrims?

In medieval England, authorities viewed pilgrimage with concern because it involved the mass movement of populations, which created volatile social and cultural conditions.1

Specifically, English authorities were troubled by the following issues:

• Disorderly and False Pilgrims: There were significant fears regarding the presence of individuals who were not genuine pilgrims but were instead perceived as disorderly or fraudulent.1
• Abandonment of Responsibilities: Officials worried that people were using the guise of piety to abandon their families for selfish reasons.1
• Public Health and Social Control: Following periods of plague, authorities implemented extensive restrictions on movement to maintain order, which conflicted with the nature of pilgrimage as a practice that facilitates travel across the landscape.1

These concerns reflected a broader tension between the state's need for social stability and the unpredictable nature of popular religious movements.1