Forthcoming Events
Annual Congregation 2026
Date: Saturday 10th October 2026 Time: 11:00
Type: Member & Guest
Location: St Mary’s University, Twickenham
This year’s Burgon Society’s Annual Congregation takes place on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at the Waldegrave Suite, St Mary’s University, Twickenham, TW1 4SX. The occasion will bring together Fellows, Members and guests for a stimulating day celebrating the history, traditions and continuing development of academic dress.
Arrivals and refreshments will be from 11.00 a.m. Formal proceeding will begin at 11.30 a.m. with the Presidential declaration by Professor Graham Zellick. The Revd Fr Øystein Lund, Vice-Chancellor will welcome us to St Mary’s University. After formal admission of new Fellows, there will be a presentation by Prof. Anthony McClaran, Master of the Worshipful Company of Educators and former Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s, on the history of the university as a faith-based institution, followed by the President’s Address.
Following lunch at 1.00 p.m., the afternoon programme includes a series of papers exploring academic dress from a range of perspectives: St Mary’s identity as an English Catholic university; academic robes and insignia in Italy; the impact of UK university mergers on academical dress; and the distinctive black gowns of Lawrence University, WI. Tea and cakes at 3.30 p.m. will provide an opportunity for a sociable moment before the final presentations. The meeting will close at 5.00 p.m.
Volume 25 of the Transactions of the Burgon Society will be also published on the day,
We look forward to welcoming you to a full and friendly day for everyone interested in the study and traditions of academic dress.