Learning Adult Learning Ann Radcliffe, St Albans Abbey and the Gothic Book now Follow in the footsteps of Romantic-era poet and Gothic novelist Ann Radcliffe (1764–1823), whose St Alban’s [sic] Abbey; A Metrical Romance (1826) brings to life the opening battle of the Wars of the Roses at St Albans in 1455. Join Dr Elizabeth Bobbitt, Professor Dale Townshend and award-winning writer Rosie Garland (Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature) for a special study day marking the 200th anniversary of the poem and looking ahead to its forthcoming Cambridge University Press scholarly edition. The programme features short talks and readings, a literary tour of the cathedral, and a creative writing workshop led by Rosie Garland. Study Day Itinerary 10 – 10.30am: Registration over tea and coffee 10.30am: Welcome and Introduction to Ann Radcliffe and St Alban’s Abbey: A Poetical Romance. 11.30am - 12.30pm: Mapping Radcliffe’s St Alban’s Abbey: A Guided Tour of St Alban’s Cathedral and Surrounding Abbey Ruins 12.30 - 1.30pm: Lunch break 1.30 - 3.30pm: ‘Locating the Spirit of Ancient Days:’ Radcliffe as Literary Tourist - Creative Writing Workshop 3.30-4pm: Share your poetry! 4pm: Closing Remarks Please note that this event will be held in-person only and will not be livestreamed or recorded. About Dr Elizabeth Bobbit | Elizabeth is a research associate at the University of York. She is currently co-editing Radcliffe’s posthumous works with Professor Dale Townshend for the Cambridge edition of Radcliffe’s complete works. About Professor Dale Townsend | Dale Townsend is Professor of Gothic Literature in the Manchester Centre for Gothic Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University. He has published widely on Gothic fiction of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. About Rosie Garland | Rosie is a writing mentor and tutor for The Arvon Foundation, Literature Works, Nine Arches Press, The Ruppin Agency and National Centre for Writing. Val McDermid named her one of the UK’s most compelling LGBT+ writers, & in 2023 she was made Fellow of The Royal Society of Literature. Image: View into the South Transept of St Alban's Church Hertfordshire, 1850. Courtesy of St Albans Cathedral Archives. Manage Cookie Preferences