Why did people visit Canterbury on pilgrimages?

People visited Canterbury on pilgrimages primarily to venerate the shrine of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury who was martyred in 1170. His death made the cathedral a significant site of pilgrimage, as many believed it offered spiritual benefits, healing, and the opportunity for penance. The journey to Canterbury also allowed pilgrims to seek forgiveness for sins and to deepen their faith, making it a central destination in medieval Christianity.