02
March 2027

TASKL Lecture: Cathedrals: Safe places to do risky things. This is a hybrid lecture so all are welcome

Welcome to The Arts Society Kington Langley
Tuesday, March 2, 2027 - 11:00
Kington Langley Village Hall
Church Road Kington Langley, Chippenham SN15 5NJ
Online Event

Join us for a coffee in our cafe area.

This talk provides an overview of the Church of England's magnificent 42 cathedrals, jewels in the crown of England's built heritage, some recognised as World Heritage Sites. Beautifully illustrated by Country Life photographer, Paul Barker, in addition to looking at their history and stories, evolving architecture and treasures, the talk considers the role of cathedrals over the centuries and specifically their role today.

 

A lay Canon of Bangor cathedral, our speaker has a distinguished background in ecclesiastical heritage.

Picture Credit: Paul Barker Copyright - The Archbishops’ Council

Janet Gough
For eight years the Church of England’s Director of Church Buildings and Secretary of the Church Buildings Council and Cathedrals Fabric Commission, Janet has written three illustrated paperbacks to encourage wider enjoyment of these amazing buildings, Director's Choice, Churches of the Church of England, Director's Choice, Cathedrals of the Church of England and most recently (2022) Deans' Choice, Cathedral Treasures of England and Wales. A Cambridge graduate in History and History of Art, Janet worked at Sotheby’s for nine years, was a trustee at the Churches Conservation Trust, the Museum of Fulham Palace and the Friends of the V&A and guided and lectured at the V&A. Janet set up and ran an architectural history course of London around visits to significant buildings. Janet has also given tours and lectured on secular architecture and fine and decorative arts. Janet received an OBE for services to heritage in 2017, and in 2021 was made one of the first lay Canons of Bangor cathedral. Janet advised Royal Mail on the special Christmas 2024 stamps, which featured five cathedrals from across the UK and her new book - Divine Light, the Stained Glass of the Cathedrals of England - was published in 2025. Janet is happy to speak and develop talks on a whole range of matters relating to England's and the UK's ecclesiastical heritage.