This year, we finished the summer term with a bang! Following the success of the Augustine vs. Pelagius 'original sin' debate in 2023, this year we marked the Great Schism (16 July 1054) with a dramatic enactment of the clash between Cardinal Humbert, Papal Legate, and Patriarch Michael Cerularius on Wednesday 9 July.

Joining us to enact the debate was Stephen de Silva, who portrayed Cardinal Humbert. Stephen is a dedicated Cathedral guide, who’s extensive knowledge of the rich heritage of this ancient place has been integral to how we have told our story to thousands of pilgrims and school groups every year.

We were also joined by the fantastic Professor of Anthropology and History, Tim Boatswain, as Michael Cerularius. Professor Boatswain has been a visiting lecturer and research fellow at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts in Birmingham, at Harvard University in the USA, at the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and at the Queen’s University in Belfast. He is also the Chairman of St Albans Civic Society and Conservation 50.

It was also a delight to welcome, the Right Rev'd Rob Gillion, as our narrator. The Right Rev'd Rob Gillion is Bishop of the Arts and Chaplain to Lord Salisbury at Hatfield House and was once again treading the boards, having attended Drama School in London, which led to a career in theatre, television, and film as a professional actor, before his life in ministry.