Europe’s cathedrals are magnificent edifices, and, in general, grander than most castles and palaces.

Simon Jenkins will be giving a talk at St Mary’s on 10 November where he plans to speak about his latest book, Europe’s 100 Best Cathedrals. The talk will be illustrated, and he will take the audience on a tour of some of the most magnificent buildings across the continent, telling the stories behind their construction, illuminating Europe’s history and demonstrating the central role played by cathedrals in the European imagination. The cathedral tour will travel from Chartres to York, Cologne to Florence, Toledo to Moscow and Stockholm to Seville to revisit old favourites, explore new discoveries and marvel at the architectural details captured in his accompanying slides.

Simon Jenkins is a journalist, Guardian columnist and former Editor of the Evening Standard and The Times. He was appointed Knight Bachelor for services to journalism in 2004. He is the author of numerous history books, in particular the best-selling series which includes England’s 100 Best Churches, England’s 100 Best Houses, Britain’s 100 Best Railway Stations and England’s 100 Best Views.

He has a great love of our country, writing in The Telegraph that “I have come to regard England as the most remarkable country in European history.”

Its capital, London is generally recognised as being one of the greatest cities in the world which has been forged through centuries of occupation, conquest and battles.   His 2019 book A Short History of London traced the key events of London’s history from its prehistoric Thames dwellers and takes in the legacy of Romans, Saxons, Danes and Norman and examines how it became the centre of the largest empire in history, survived the Blitz and transformed itself into the bustling city we recognise today.

Europe’s 100 Best Cathedrals will be published at the start of November, and will be available at the event and at Primrose Hill Books.

‘Well researched, well written and perceptive, this is the essential and most inspiring guide to the greatest glories of European culture.’ Dan Cruickshank

The lecture will also be available to watch online.

Come along to create a wish-list of cathedrals to visit!

Wednesday 10 November, 7pm (doors 6.30pm)

St Mary’s, Elsworthy Road, London NW3 3DJ

Tickets £12 (£10 conc); book and ticket £42 (£40 conc)

Signed copies will be available at the event and from Primrose Hill Books

Online live-streaming tickets £10.00

www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/primrose-hill-lecture-series-6686626015