Wells Cathedral is set to host a series of special events this October to commemorate the 600th anniversary of the death of Bishop Nicholas Bubwith, one of the city's most influential historical figures.

Bishop Bubwith, who served as Bishop of Bath and Wells from 1407 until his death in 1424, left a lasting mark on the city, notably funding the creation of Wells Almshouses and contributing significantly to Wells Cathedral's celebrated Chained Library, which was once the largest library of its kind in Northern Europe.

In honour of his contributions, the cathedral will be holding a two-day symposium titled The Making of a Medieval Library: Bishop Nicholas Bubwith, Books, and Reading, Teaching and Learning at Wells Cathedral at the End of the Middle Ages on 27th and 28th October. This event, which follows on from the Wells Festival of Literature (18th-26th October), will see a gathering of expert speakers sharing insights into the historical significance of the cathedral's book collection and the library's role in the early English Renaissance.

Key speakers at the symposium include historian James Clark, author of The Dissolution of the Monasteries: A New History, and Professor Nicholas Orme, whose work Going to Church in Medieval England has been widely praised. Talks will explore themes such as the origins of the Chained Library, the role of the cathedral in promoting education, and the impact of Bubwith's endowment on the development of Wells' intellectual and cultural heritage.

Wells Cathedral's Director of Learning, Sue Fielding, said: "Bishop Nicholas Bubwith's legacy extends beyond bricks and mortar. His vision for education and preservation of knowledge has shaped the Cathedral as a beacon of learning for over 600 years. This anniversary is a chance to celebrate his impact and invite the public to engage with our shared history."

But it's not just for academics and history buffs—there's plenty on offer for younger visitors too. From 29th to 31st October, the cathedral will run a programme of family-friendly activities themed around books and book-making. Children will have the chance to create their own mini Chained Library book, design medieval-style postcards, and join a special treasure hunt that will lead them on a quest to uncover the secrets of the cathedral's historic book collection.

The cathedral's Chained Library, founded with Bishop Bubwith's bequest, holds a remarkable collection of ancient texts, some of which were seized from monasteries dissolved under Henry VIII. It is one of the few surviving examples of a medieval library where books were once chained to desks to prevent theft—something that, centuries ago, was a critical measure to protect these precious volumes.

Entry to the family activities is free for children accompanied by an adult, and visitors are encouraged to explore the cathedral and its grounds. Standard adult tickets allow re-entry to the cathedral for 12 months, making it a great opportunity to enjoy multiple events throughout the year, including seasonal exhibitions and further family activities.

For full information about the symposium and the holiday activities, visit Wells Cathedral's website or pick up a brochure at the cathedral.