Talks

St Albans Cathedral is pleased to offer a rich programme of adult learning events designed to explore faith, history and culture from many different angles.

If you would like to join our Adult Learning mailing list to keep up to date with our upcoming talks, please email studycentre@stalbanscathedral.org

Science as God’s Gift, Not the World’s Threat

Wednesday 9 March, 7.30pm, Alban Room and Online via Zoom Following on from his installation as Honorary Canon Scientist in November, Professor Tom McCleish will be delivering his inaugral lecture in March. He will consider the Book of Job from a scientific perspective and will aim to challenge and reconcile some of the ingrained divisions and tensions that exist between science and religion. Tutor: Professor Tom McCleish, Professor of Natural Philosophy, University of York Tickets £10, available online and from the Cathedral Box Office.

An Evening with Annie Garthwaite, author of ‘top pick’ historical novel CECILY

Wednesday 23 March, 7.30pm, Alban Room and Online via Zoom Selected as a ‘top pick’ historical novel by The Sunday Times, Annie Garthwaite’s debut novel CECILY explores the fascinating and often overlooked life of Cecily Neville. A woman at the heart of the Wars of the Roses, the first battle of which was fought in St Albans, Cecily was both politically shrewd and strategically gifted. This special talk will feature a reading from the novel and a discussion of Cecily’s life and legacy. Tutor: Annie Garthwaite Tickets £10, available online and from the Cathedral Box Office.

Ten Questions that Artificial Intelligence Raises for Believers

Monday 21 March, 7.30pm, Online via Zoom. Join the Revd Canon Dr Tim Bull as he delves into the fascinating yet increasingly complex world of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) This talk will consider some of the practical, ethical and theological questions raised by A.I. and will attempt to formulate an appropriate faith response to such questions. Tutor: The Revd Canon Dr Tim Bull Tickets £10 (students £6), available online and from the Box Office.

Romantics, Pre-Raphaelites and Fairies: from William Blake to E.R. Hughes

Saturday 26 March, 10.30am - 3.30pm Join us for this study day as we delve into the world of the PreRaphaelite Brotherhood and the fascinating genre of fairy painting. We are excited to be welcoming Professor Tim Boatswain, Professor Geraint John, and Dr Carol Jacobi to our Adult Learning department and look forward to hearing their insights on the depiction of fairies throughout 19th century European art movements. Dr Carol Jacobi, Curator of British Art (1850 - 1915), Tate Britain Professor Tim Boatswain, President of St Albans Civic Society, Chariman of Conservation 50 and Blue Plaques St Albans Professor Geraint John, President Emeritus of St Albans Civic Society, Visiting Professor at University of Hertfordshire Tickets £30, available online and from the Cathedral Box Office.

Library

Open 10am - 2pm Monday - Friday, and 10am - 1pm on the first and third Saturdays of every month The library at St Albans Cathedral is a modern theological lending library which offers members a wide range of resources on topics such as theology, biblical studies, philosophy and ethics. Located above the Welcome Centre, the library is now fully open for browsing, borrowing and returning books, and private study. To find out more, please visit www.stalbanscathedral.org/library