The Friends of Hereford Cathedral are delighted to welcome Richard Willmott for their Spring Lecture on Thursday 19 March 2026 at 7 pm in College Hall.

In his lecture entitled ‘Meet the Ancestors (and some rather more important people!)’, Richard promises an engaging and entertaining journey through family history, art, commerce and culture at the height of Antwerp’s Golden Age.

 

Following his own family research, Richard discovered a remarkable sixteenth-century painting in the Netherlands which introduced him not only to three of his own ancestors, but also to some of the most significant cultural figures of the Northern Renaissance. The painting then became the starting point for his acclaimed publication Antwerp and the Golden Age: Culture, Conflict and Commerce.

 

The lecture will explore the fascinating cast of characters it depicts: a ground-breaking botanist, an early advocate of women’s education, leading artists and poets of the age, and a Dutch merchant who somehow managed to be arrested in both London and Antwerp. It also includes the great printer Christophe Plantin, regarded as the most important publisher in northern Europe, whose works are represented in Hereford Cathedral’s own Chained Library.

Richard Willmott says: “I cannot overstate the excitement of researching my family history and finding myself led, step by step, to some famous figures who feature in a family portrait.”

 

Dr Joy Roderick, Chairman of the Friends of Hereford Cathedral, says: ““We are delighted to welcome Richard to deliver what promises to be a fascinating talk for the Friends of Hereford Cathedral. Together with our valued members, we look forward to greeting guests who wish to join us for the evening, an opportunity to exchange ideas, enjoy good company with like-minded people, and learn more about the work of the Friends of Hereford Cathedral.”

Please note that advance booking for this talk is essential owing limitations of space in College Hall. Wine/soft drinks/savouries are included: £11 per member in advance (£15 guests / door). For more information, please visit Hereford Cathedral website (https://www.herefordcathedral.org/Event/spring-lecture-friends-of-hereford-cathedral) or send an email to [email protected].