Jonathan Foyle to give talk on Peterborough Cathedral in Market Deeping
Respected historian, author and TV personality Jonathan Foyle will be in Market Deeping to give a talk on Peterborough Cathedral, which this year celebrates its 900th anniversary.
Jonathan, who grew up in Market Deeping and attended Deepings School, will give a talk based on his latest book “Peterborough Cathedral - A Glimpse of Heaven”.
The event takes place on Thursday, October 8, at 7.30pm in the main hall of the Deepings School.
“I grew up in Market Deeping and used to hop on a Delaine bus to Peterborough where I would sometimes leave my friends and go off to visit the cathedral,” he said.
“I have always loved it and it’s one of the buildings that got me interested in history.”
Jonathan, who now lives near Bath, said he had been invited to write a book about Peterborough Cathedral, having previously written books on Canterbury and Lincoln cathedrals.
Published in May, the book, which was a year in the making, combines his wealth of specialist knowledge with the findings of other historians to reveal some remarkable facts about the impressive building.
“The history of the site goes back to the 7th century with work starting on the present building in 1118 and finishing in 1238, meaning it was 120 years of development,” said Jonathan.
He said the cathedral had frequently been visited by kings and queens over the years thanks to its location on the route to York.
“So it has a long history with royalty,” he said, adding that the painted ceiling in the nave was one of the “greatest” in Europe.
It was completed between 1230 and 1250 and while it has since been over-painted twice, it retains its original style and pattern.
The talk has been arranged by Deepings Heritage and this is not the first time that Jonathan has returned to address residents from the town.
“He has previously given a talk about Lincoln Cathedral, “ said Deepings Heritage chairman David Shelton.
“It was a sell out and very well received and we expect the same again.”
David warned that a limited number of tickets were available and suggested anyone wanting to attend book early.
Tickets cost £6 and are available at Deepings Library or by phoning Geoff on 01778 343 390.