A SERVICE marking the 800th anniversary of the death of King John in 1216 is to be held at Worcester Cathedral this Sunday, October 16.
The cathedral is one of very few places outside Westminster Abbey and Windsor to house the tomb of an English monarch since the Norman Conquest and it is one of the most significant features in the building.
It was the specific request of King John to be buried at Worcester, a place for which he had great affection, as stipulated in his will written shortly before his death in October 1216. The cathedral still holds the original copy of his will.
The service will be attended by the High Sheriff, Sir Nicholas Lechmere, and Her Majesty’s judges, as well as the lord lieutenant for Worcestershire, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Holcroft, and will include a number of special features: Professor Stephen Church of the University of East Anglia, whose most recent authoritative book on King John was published last year, will give an introductory address; the cathedral choir will sing a specially-commissioned piece by the talented young composer Piers Kennedy; the bishop of Worcester will deliver a sermon; and there will be an opportunity to lay flowers near John’s tomb, as a symbol of the dependence of all humanity on mercy and grace.
All members of the public are warmly welcome to attend the service which will start at 4pm.