Saturday 10th May. Tour 1.40 pm, followed by talk at 2 pm. St Francis Xavier’s RC Church HR4 9AP
Tour of St Francis Xavier’s R C Church 1.40 pm
No charge
You might be familiar with the yellow pillars of St Francis Xavier’s Church on Broad Street but have you ever been into this neo-classical style architectural gem? Did you know that Sir Edward Elgar was a parishioner? Join a tour before the talk to find out why it was built to look like a bank, why it is painted such a bold colour and contemplate the preserved hand of Hereford’s own martyr, St John Kemble.
Talk on “The life, times and death of St John Kemble” 2pm by Dr Simon Johnson, Director of
Heritage at Downside Abbey near Bath. Followed by refreshments. No charge but donations are welcome.
The story of St John Kemble, a seventeenth century Herefordshire Roman Catholic priest, shines a light on a long dark period of British history when religious persecution was rife. St John Kemble was a true Herefordian, born in St Weonards in 1599 and executed at the age of 80 on Widemarsh Common.
St John Kemble was a victim of a miscarriage of justice, but his story is one of dignity, courage and, ultimately, hope. St John Kemble’s vestment and recently restored missal will be on display.
All are welcome. People of all faiths, or no faith, are warmly invited to join us for the tour and/or talk
