Forthcoming Events
Burgon Society’s 25th Anniversary Spring Conference and AGM
Date: Saturday 25th April 2026 Time: 11:00
Type: Public
Location: Priors’ Hall, The College, Durham Cathedral
The Burgon Society’s 25th Anniversary Spring Conference and Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday 25 April 2026 in Priors’ Hall, The College, Durham Cathedral.
This special anniversary gathering features a rich programme (see below), including an optional morning tour of Durham Cathedral, distinguished welcomes, admission of a new Fellow h. c., and presentations on academic dress, its history, and making. Attendees will enjoy opportunities to view Durham academic costumes, participate in the AGM (members and fellows only), and meet fellow members over lunch, tea, and a celebratory champagne reception.
Click to view the Programme
09.30–10.45 - Optional tour of Durham Cathedral (Cathedral admission charge applies – see details below)
10.30–11.00 - Arrivals and registration at Priors’ Hall
11.00–11.05 - Chairman’s Welcome
11.05–11.15 - Dame Susan Snowdon DCVO Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham (to 31 March 2026) Welcome to Durham
11.15–11.30 - Admission of a new Fellow honoris causa
11.30–12.00 - Dr Giles W. E. Brightwell FBS Palatinate Purple and the Last Prince Bishop: how the University of Durham acquired its distinctive system of academic dress
12.00–12.30 - From the Wardrobe Inspection of academic costumes of the Universities of Durham & Newcastle and St Chad’s College, Durham with The Revd Kenneth Crawford FBS and the Curator, Dr Andrew Plant FBS
12.30–14.00 - Sandwich lunch
14.00–14.45 - Annual General Meeting
14.45–15.15 - Professor William Gibson FBS Snobbery and Shot Silk: the development of Wales hoods
15.15–15.45 - Afternoon tea and networking
15.45–16.15 - Fiona Boyd (Aura) From Pattern to Process: The Making of Academic Regalia
16.15–17.00 - Champagne reception and close
Dress: Undress gown encouraged
Booking and payment should be completed by Friday 17 April 2026.
Following the close of proceedings, all are warmly invited to join us for informal refreshments at The Vic, Hallgarth Street.
Note: Members may attend the AGM free of charge. To do so, please contact us.
If you would like to include the option Cathedral tour, please indicate how many people by selecting the quantity and clicking the "Click here" link below. You will need to pay for the tour (£6.50 per person) on the day.
Click here to add Cathedral tour - qty: