Bishop Bubwith Sixth Centenary Symposium

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 28th October.

Des Atkinson - Nicholas Bubwith and the late medieval English prelacy: the path to high office

Professor Nicholas Orme - Wells Cathedral as a Centre of Education, 1140-1550

(Arrivals from 4.30, Refreshments in North Transept)

Dr David Lepine - Noble Clerkes and Konnynge of Clergie: the Scholar Canons of Wells Cathedral in the Fifteenth Century

Professor James Clark - Wells Cathedral Library and the Monasteries

Nigel Ramsay - TBC

Dr David Rundle - A Well of Wisdom, a Renaissance in Somerset

Dr Sheila Sweetinburgh - TBC

Host or Publisher Wells Cathedral