Events

Our annual Jim Gibb Memorial Lecture is this year given by Dr. Ken Lawson.

The history of England around the year 1000 saw some of the most intense fighting in its history, culminating in the Viking conquest of 1016 and the accession of a Danish King Cnut (Canute), a figure of European stature. Evidence from Sherborne plays a critical role in our understanding of this period – both regarding those high levels of taxation (the Danegeld) and the well-known story about Cnut's attempt to turn back the tide, which Dr Lawson argues indicates his shrewd grasp of the political world in which he operated. King Cnut and Queen Emma came to worship in Sherborne Abbey and finding the roof leaking badly the Queen gave 20 pounds of silver for its repair. Further evidence of this is revealed by an examination of contemporary Sherborne land charters; years when Sherborne history is also national history.

Doors open at 2pm. Entry at the door £5 (students £2). Tea and cake provided.