Sex, Murder & Mayhem in the English Church

In this talk we will step inside England’s oldest art galleries and discover the stories, secrets and surprises behind the images. Do you think churches are all about quiet contemplation and saintly behaviour? Think again! Look a little closer and you may uncover a world of scandal, skulduggery, sex and murder lurking behind those ancient walls. For centuries, church paintings and carvings have depicted temptation, sin, judgement and the gruesome fate awaiting the damned. Some are beautiful, others bizarre and a few are downright shocking. But what stories were they telling, and what do they reveal about the people who made, commissioned and viewed them? Join ecclesiastical historian and author John Vigar for an entertaining journey into the darker side of England’s churches. Money raised supporting the restoriation of magnificent medieval wall paintings at Hardham Church near Pulborough. If you can't attend please consider making a donation. Thank you. Doors open at 3pm