Lectures
The following events are lectures organised by the Education Department. Although they are free of charge places are limited. To book your place please call us on 01392 285983 or email education@exeter-cathedral.org.uk.
Organs and Organists
(Fully Booked)
Thursday 24 January 13.00 – 14.00
Chapter House
The organ in Exeter Cathedral is conspicuous. It towers above the pulpitum. Why is it there, spoiling the view? Has there always been an organ there; and how does the pulpitum support such a heavy instrument? How heavy is it? Where else in the Cathedral are there organs, and where else might there have been organs in the past? How does the organ work; and why are there parts of the instrument in the Minstrels’ Gallery and the South Transept? What do we know of the organists down the centuries? These questions will be addressed in this talk given by Malcolm Walker.
Who's been sitting in my chair?!
Friday 10 May 13.00 - 14.00
Education Centre, Pearson Building
An exploration into the role of the bishop as guardian of the apostolic faith and the place of the throne or cathedra as the symbol of his teaching ministry and the handing on of tradition. This talk will also discuss the liturgical position of the bishop's throne as architectural fashions changed. This lecture will be given by the Revd Canon Carl Turner.
Canon Turner is Precentor of Exeter Cathedral and responsible for its worship and music and was Acting Dean during 2011-2012. He is a former member of the General Synod and of the Liturgical Commission and is currently a Director of the Association of English Cathedrals. Ordained in 1985, Carl was a parish priest until 2001, serving for 11 years in a major East London parish alongside the Society of St Francis. A regular contributor to Roots Magazine, Carl also leads conferences, retreats and facilitates groups in the area of mission, worship, spirituality and children's work. He has worked with Springboard and ReSource and has contributed chapters to two books of the liturgy including one with the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is married to Alison, a Head teacher and priest and they have three children and a young Cairn Terrier called Bertie.
Cathedral Mysteries
Friday 12 July 13.30 - 14.30
Education Centre, Pearson Building
How and why was the cathedral built, and who built it? At first sight the answers might seem obvious and a great deal is known. At the same time there are many gaps in the narrative, some of them crucial to our understanding of the building and its purpose, including such mysteries as the identity of the original designer, the person responsible for the decision to retain the Norman towers when the cathedral was rebuilt and the appearance of the medieval high altar. Perhaps the greatest mystery of all attaches to the personality of Bishop Walter de Stapledon (1307-26). Remembered in Exeter as a generous patron and benefactor, he was murdered in London by a mob who saw him as a key member of a corrupt and despotic government. Bill Leedham will explore these and other mysteries and invite those present to suggest their own answers - which may well be as good as those of the experts...
Continuity and Change in the Cathedral Choir
Wednesday 20 November 13.00 - 14.00
Education Centre, Pearson Building
Join us at this lecture to explore the importance of music to the Cathedral, how it has shaped the building, and find out something of the life of members of the choir past and present.