2024 marks the 600th anniversary of the death of Bishop Nicholas Bubwith (1355–1424), sometime Bishop of Bath and Wells (1407–1424), and a notable benefactor of the City of Wells.

Bishop Bubwith’s legacy included money for the construction of the City of Wells Almshouses, and—significantly for Wells Cathedral—the Chained Library, said in its day to be the largest in northern Europe.

To mark this Centenary year, and tailing the Wells Festival of Literature (18–26 October), Wells Cathedral is hosting a symposium (27–28 October) and a programme of family holiday activities (29–31 October), themed around books and book making.

Symposium: The Making of a Medieval Library

Sunday 27 to Monday 28 October 2024

The symposium, entitled “The making of a medieval library: Bishop Nicholas Bubwith, books and reading, teaching and learning at Wells Cathedral at the end of the Middle Ages”, presents a wide-ranging programme of talks over two days at the Cathedral.

Attendees at the symposium can expect talks on a number of subjects: the rich history of the Cathedral’s remarkable book collection, including the building of the library; study of and performance from music books; the rare books that the Cathedral captured from closed monasteries, and; the Cathedral’s role in the beginnings of England’s Renaissance.

Expert speakers include Nicholas Orme (Exeter University), author of the acclaimed Going to Church in Medieval England; David Rundle (University of Kent at Canterbury), Nigel Ramsay (University College, London), Desmond Atkinson (Victoria History of Somerset) and James Clark (University of Exeter), author of The Dissolution of the Monasteries: A New History.

Keynote speaker Nicholas Orme’s talk, which takes place from 5.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. on Sunday 27 October in the Nave,  will be available to attend free of charge.

Tickets for the whole Symposium cost £25 per person, and include access to all eight lectures, as well as refreshments, a 15% lunchtime discount in The Loft café, and general admission to the Cathedral for the duration of the event. Spaces are limited, and early booking is advised.

Family Holiday Activities: Bishop Bubwith’s Books

Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 October 2024

Younger visitors to the Cathedral from Tuesday 29 to Thursday 31 October can step back into the past and embark on a quest to discover the secrets of the Cathedral’s ancient book collection. Armed with a map they can explore the cathedral, solve puzzles, and uncover fascinating stories about where some of Wells Cathedral’s most precious books came from.

Children will have the chance to design their own postcards inspired by medieval illustrations, and even create their very own mini Chained Library book, just like the ones that have been treasured in the Cathedral for centuries!

There is no booking required for the activities, and no charge for children to attend, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult, and only assistance dogs are allowed.

Standard adult admission tickets to Wells Cathedral include re-entry for 12 months from date of purchase, meaning visitors to these activities can enjoy access to a number of future seasonal events, including exhibitions and Family Holiday Activities, beyond their initial visit.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience the magic of books and learn about the rich history of Wells Cathedral. Join us for a fun-filled adventure that will spark imaginations and create lasting memories for the whole family.

Further information about the Family Holiday Activities can be found via the Family Visits page.