Library Events
Why have educational events in the Wren Library?
The educational role of cathedrals goes back to the early years of cathedral libraries, when they were Schools for scholars which were of great importance before the founding of the universities. Until as late as 1990, the Reading Room was referred to as 'The Canons' Library' and used only by the clergy.
But now, the Library is a resource for everyone, not only for scholars and members of the Cathedral Foundation.
Lincoln Cathedral is blessed with one of the most important Cathedral libraries, both in terms of its buildings and its collections. Because the books are on such a wide range of topics, it's often possible to display books which fit the theme of an event. So an early music concert may feature one of the part books by William Byrd, or a song book by Dowland. Lectures on faith, British and ecclesiastical history, the art and architecture of churches and cathedrals, church music, and dramatic entertainments inspired by the books all seem right for the Wren Library. But it is also a good and intimate space for talks and discussions on current issues and moral dilemmas in modern society.Story-telling for children, as well as workshops on manuscript making, printing, calligraphy and book-making, all happen in the Cathedral Library now, in a way that was never envisioned by the benefactors who built the Medieval and Wren Libraries
If you'd like to be on the Library Events mailing list, contact Carol Bennett, supply your home address and you will receive two annual mailings in the post about events in the Wren Library, as well as educational events elsewhere in Lincoln Cathedral.
We list below forthcoming Library events.
Study Day on Our Lady's Plainsong
On Saturday 26th May Lincoln Cathedral will be holding a ‘Study Day’ on Our Lady’s Plainsong. This will be held in the Wren Library and the retro choir. At the 2009 Cathedral study day on Our Lady in Art, attendees suggested the idea of another day on Mary’s music. As there is so much Marian music, the focus of this day is on plainsong, including a plainsong workshop given by the Precentor, Rev’d Canon Gavin Kirk, and a programme of plainsong music associated with Our Lady, sung by Nicholas Bennett and Bozidar Smiljanic, with readings and images. The artist Aidan Hart will give a talk on Our Lady of Lincoln and the sculpture he envisions of her for the Cathedral. The Precentor will lead all the participants in singing The Litany of Our Lady, and the day will close with a forum chaired by Dr Peter Burman exploring devotion to the Virgin Mary in the Middle Ages, and what it means for us today, after which all are invited to attend Evensong at 5.30 p.m. Tickets are £16.50, including morning coffee and afternoon tea and biscuits and tickets can be purchased from the Minster Shop (www.lincolncathedral.com/shop); tel: 01522 561644. No lunch provided. Please note that the Wren Library has no disabled access. Find out more ›
Concert: ‘An Evening of English Song’
Stephen Clay (baritone) and Rachael Cox (soprano); Charles Harrison (piano) The programme includes a variety of works by English composers, including Henry Purcell’s ‘Divine Hymns,’ Benjamin Britten’s ‘Cabaret Songs’ (words by Auden) and Gerald Finzi’s ‘Oh Fair to See.’ Rachael, a former chorister, now studies at the Royal College of Music and Stephen is Senior Lay Vicar in Lincoln Cathedral Choir. This is a chance to appreciate the individual voices of two singers who have contributed so much to worship in the Cathedral. Tickets are £9.50 (including wine) or £5 for children 16 and under. Purchase in person from the Minster Shop or order tickets by phone (01522 561644) or online by following the link: BOX OFFICE Please note that the Wren Library is on the first floor and there is no disabled access. Find out more ›
Magna Carta Lecture
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting its annual Magna Carta lecture on Friday 8th June at 7pm. The Lecturer will be Philip Norton, Baron Norton of Louth, an academic who has been described as ‘the United Kingdom’s greatest living expert on Parliament.’ He will be speaking on the question of Reform in the House of Lords and asking the question ‘Is there still a place for the Barons?’ There is no charge for the tickets, which can be collected from the Minster Shop. If ordered over the phone (01522 561644) or online (www.lincolncathedral.com/shop) there is a £2 booking fee for P & P. Any number of tickets can be ordered for this fee at the same time. Find out more ›
Lecture by the Chancellor of Lincoln Cathedral, Canon Dr Mark Hocknull
Lincoln Cathedral will be hosting a Lecture by the Cathedral Chancellor, Canon Dr. Mark Hocknull. The lecture will be on Faith and the Common Good in a Multi-Faith Society which will be then followed by a discussion. The Chancellor explores the positive contribution that faith makes to society, and provides an argument for the reasons why religious education should be part of the core curriculum. This topical and controversial issue should encourage a lively discussion following the lecture. Tickets are £6.75 (including wine). Please note there is no disabled access. Purchase tickets from the Minster Shop or order tickets by phone (01522 561644) or online (www.lincolncathedral.com/shop). Find out more ›