We are delighted to be joined by Kelley Christ and Jackie Hall for a special exploration of Southwark Cathedral, looking closely at the building’s architecture, archaeology and conservation.

Together, Kelley and Jackie will take us behind the scenes of this remarkable historic church, exploring how centuries of rebuilding, restoration and change can still be read in its fabric today. Their lecture will also consider the challenge of caring for a building that is both historically significant and still very much a living place of worship.

Before their lecture, join our host Vikki Jenner from 5.50pm for October’s Church of the Month.

This month, Vikki will take us to St Andrew’s, Rollestone, a small medieval church on the edge of Salisbury Plain. Although modest in scale, Rollestone is full of clues to its long history, from its thirteenth century font and medieval mass dial to its fourteenth century window, Georgian glass and Victorian carvings of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

There is also a much wider story hidden behind this little rural church. By the early fourteenth century, the Knights Hospitaller were appointing its rector, connecting Rollestone to one of the great international religious orders of the medieval world.

Along the way, Vikki will show us how to look more closely at the fabric of a historic church and use architectural details to uncover the different generations of people who built, altered and cared for it. It is a fitting introduction to an evening devoted to understanding how historic churches can be read, conserved and kept alive for the future.

Explore St Andrew’s, Rollestone here:

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/our-churches/st-andrews-church-rollestone

Our churches cost on average £2,500 per year to keep them clean, carry out conservation work, conduct maintenance checks and ensure they remain safe for visitors to enjoy. Please help us keep these extraordinary buildings open by making a donation: https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/get-involved/donation