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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
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John Collingwood Bruce and the Making of Modern Hadrian’s Wall (Talk by David Breeze)
2nd October 2024 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
GIVE AS YOU FEELOrganiser
Newcastle Cathedral via TicketSource
Enquiries: office@newcastlecathedral.org.uk
Phone Number: 0333 666 3366
Hadrian’s Wall, originally built to ‘separate the Romans from the barbarians’, has evolved into a powerful symbol of unity. This was strikingly demonstrated in September 2023, when the unexpected felling of the iconic Sycamore Gap tree sent waves of shock and sorrow across Britain and beyond.
In this captivating talk, David Breeze explores the life and legacy of John Collingwood Bruce, a key Victorian figure in the preservation and promotion of Hadrian’s Wall. Commemorated in Newcastle Cathedral, Bruce played an instrumental role in sparking public interest and scholarly research on the Wall. His contributions include a series of influential books that remain in print today and the founding of the Hadrian’s Wall Pilgrimages, a tradition that continues every ten years. The most recent pilgrimage, in 2019, the 14th of its kind, was led by David Breeze and attracted over 200 participants.
David Breeze will delve into Bruce’s lasting impact on the appreciation of Hadrian’s Wall and its significance in shaping Northern England’s cultural identity.
About the Speaker:
David Breeze has been involved in every Hadrian’s Wall Pilgrimage (and the Congress of Roman Frontier Studies) since 1969. He chaired the organising committee for the Pilgrimages in 1989, 1999, 2009, and 2019, most recently serving as Chief Pilgrim. A prominent figure in Roman archaeology, David has served as President of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and the Cumberland and Westmorland Antiquarian and Archaeological Society, and as Chairman of the Congress of Roman Frontier Studies.
David has excavated on both Hadrian’s Wall and the Antonine Wall, and authored several authoritative books on Roman frontiers. A graduate of Durham University, he holds an honorary professorship from the institution. As Scotland’s former Chief Inspector of Ancient Monuments, he led the successful bid for World Heritage status for the Antonine Wall. His deep expertise on Hadrian’s Wall and its preservation includes a dedicated study of John Collingwood Bruce’s pivotal contributions.
Please note:
- The new book ‘Hadrian’s Wall in our Time’, edited by David Breeze, will be available to purchase on the evening.
- All seating allocations are done on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Refreshments will be available, and the proceeds will support the Friends of St Nicholas, the charitable group established in 1932 to maintain, beautify and celebrate the Cathedral’s heritage.
Tickets are ‘Give As You Feel’ (£7 suggested). Your generosity enables us to continue programming events like this, as well as maintain our beautiful building, continue our charitable work and keep the doors open for all.
