English Cathedrals: Art, Architecture and Legends - adult education class

Course overview

This live-online taught course looks at the history, art and architecture of some of the most magnificent cathedrals in England and the, often surprising, stories of saints associated with them.

Each week we will examine in detail a different medieval cathedral in England and discover the history of its foundation, architecture and art treasures. But we will expand on this history of the material culture of the building by looking at the key saint associated with the building, discovering the story of the saint, how he or she has been represented and asking ourselves why the saint was connected to the cathedral we are looking at. 

Connecting saints and the buildings that housed their cult sites in this way gives a unique insight into medieval culture and the beliefs and practices of our ancestors.

Special equipment

This course is taught online, with live sessions once a week. To access these you will need a suitable internet-connected computer. The sessions are taught using Zoom.

Term dates

•  Spring Term: week beginning 12 January 2026 until week ending 20 March 2026

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the content of this course please contact the tutor, Dr Sarah James at sarah.james1@imperial.ac.uk 

If you have any questions about enrolment please contact the Imperial after:hours Administrator, Christian Jacobi at c.jacobi@imperial.ac.uk

Class recordings

Recordings of these classes will be available (T&Cs apply).

Imperial certificates

There are no examinations or assessments for this course. However, attendance can lead to the award of an Imperial attendance certificate (T&Cs apply).