A historic venue in the Cotswolds will reopen temporarily to host a packed programme of events.
Gloucester’s Blackfriars Priory will open its doors for nine days in September as part of Gloucester History Week after closing to the public last month following Gloucester City Council’s withdrawal from daily operations.
The 13th-century Dominican priory, one of the most complete surviving examples in England, will host 52 events between September 11 and 20 and as part of this year’s Gloucester History Festival.
Sir Tony Robinson, the actor best known for playing Baldrick in Blackadder, will headline the programme, speaking on Anglo-Saxon England and medieval Wessex.
Andrew Pitt, chair of Gloucester History Trust, said: "We love the unique atmosphere of this medieval landmark, so I’m delighted that thanks to the co-operation of English Heritage we’re able to entertain, inform and inspire history-lovers here in September."
Other speakers include Caroline Quentin, David Olusoga, Penny Mordaunt, Nicholas Crane, Michael Wood, Dan Jones, Ben Robinson, and Nandini Das.
The Bayeux Tapestry will also be a focus, with three events exploring its recent journey to the UK.
In a change of pace, Radiohead drummer Philip Selway and Portishead’s Adrian Utley will discuss the 1990s music scene and perform a collaborative live set.
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Founded in 1239, Blackfriars Priory has hosted weddings, concerts, exhibitions, and guided tours over the years.
It has been closed to the public since June 1, following Gloucester City Council’s decision to step back from its management.
Tickets for the History Festival go on sale at 10am on July 24.
Day passes for Blackfriars Talks start at £50 and are available from the Gloucester History Festival website or at the Museum of Gloucester.
