Sunday 27th October
14:00 - 18:00
The symposium presents a wide-ranging programme of talks exploring the rich history of the cathedral’s remarkable book collection, including the building of the library - in its day said to be the largest in northern Europe - the 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.
The symposium starts with two free talks on Sunday 27th October, followed by a ticketed event on Monday The symposium starts with a free talk on Sunday 27th October following Evensong in the Nave, a ticketed talk at 2pm Sunday in the Education Room, followed by a ticketed event on Monday 28th October.
Draft Programme Sunday*:
Des Atkinson - Nicholas Bubwith and the late medieval English prelacy: the path to high office (2.00-3.30pm)
Professor Nicholas Orme - Wells Cathedral as a Centre of Education, 1140-1550 (5.00-6.00pm; arrivals from 4.30, Refreshments in North Transept)
Draft Programme Monday*:
Dr David Lepine - Noble Clerkes and Konnynge of Clergie: the Scholar Canons of Wells Cathedral in the Fifteenth Century (9.30-10.15am)
Professor James Clark - Wells Cathedral Library and the Monasteries (10.15-11.00am)
Nigel Ramsay - TBC (11.20-12.05pm)
LUNCH BREAK 12.15-1.15pm
Dr David Rundle - A Well of Wisdom, a Renaissance in Somerset (1.15-2.00pm)
Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh - TBC
*NB: programme subject to change