It was introduced into the United Kingdom by David Austin Roses Limited (UK) in 1991.

[2] 'The Pilgrim' has a mild tea and myrrh fragrance and has glossy green foliage.

[3] David C. H. Austin (1926 – 2018) was an award-winning rose breeder, nursery owner and writer from Shropshire, England.

Austin attained international commercial success with his new rose varieties.

Some of his most popular roses include 'Wife of Bath' (1969), 'Graham Thomas' (1983), and 'Abraham Darby' (1985)[5][6] 'The Pilgrim' was bred by Austin before 1991.