Reading
Katherine Jenkins explores the ruins of Reading Abbey, once one of Europe's finest churches, and Kate Bottley discovers the deep Christian symbolism of snowdrops.
Katherine Jenkins visits Reading to discover its fascinating Christian history. She explores the ruins of Reading Abbey, once one of the finest churches in Europe, which also has an important role in the history of English music. Katherine hears how a 13th-century manuscript from Reading Abbey contains the oldest English song with musical notation to be sung as a round, and how it could be performed as both a popular song in English or as a hymn of praise in Latin.
Kate Bottley visits the magnificent snowdrop gardens of Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire. She discovers that these simple little flowers were brought to England from Europe and the Middle East by monks because they are a powerful symbol of the Christian feast of Candlemas, which is celebrated on 2 February.
Members of the Reading Community Gospel Choir – who recently won the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year competition – share what being in the choir means to them. For some, singing gospel together has completely changed their lives and brought them to faith.
And finally Katherine explores an unexpected treasure in Reading Museum – a full scale replica of the Bayeux Tapestry. She meets the volunteer 'stitchers' who repair and maintain many artefacts in the museum and keep alive the same embroidery techniques used to make the original nearly 1,000 years ago. They reveal how a group of Victorian ladies from Staffordshire made the replica, and Katherine speaks to Dr Anna Henderson about the significance of the tapestry and what part faith played in the events of 1066.
With many hymns and songs from Reading Town Hall, including another chance to see the winning performance from Reading Community Gospel Choir.
Music
He Has Made Me Glad (Medley) - Reading Town Hall
Ancient Words - Reading Town Hall
Like A Candle Flame - Derby Cathedral
Ride On King Jesus - Reading Community Gospel Choir
Stranger - Reading Community Gospel Choir
Lo! He Comes With Crowds Descending - Kendal Parish Church
He Who Would Valiant Be - Christ Church, Oxton, Birkenhead
Crown Him With Many Crowns - Reading Town Hall
Last on
Clips
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Hymn: He Has Made Me Glad (Medley)
Duration: 02:22
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Reading Abbey and its ancient song of praise.
Duration: 04:03
Stories
Reading Abbey
Katherine Jenkins takes a walking tour around Reading Abbey, to meet professors of Medieval History, Elizabeth Matthew and Anne Mathers-Lawrence to discover it was once one of Europe’s finest churches founded by King Henry I in 1121. It was the place he intended to be buried, so that the monks of Reading Abbey could pray for his soul. We also hear how one of the oldest songs in the English language ‘Sumer is icumen in’ was discovered in archives (once of Reading Abbey) and how it could have been sung as an English popular song, or a Latin song of praise.
Snowdrops and Candlemas
The Rev. Kate Bottley visits the magnificent snowdrop gardens of Colesbourne Park in Gloucestershire. She discovers that these simple little flowers were brought to England from Europe and the Middle East by Monks because they are a powerful symbol of the Christian feast of Candlemas, celebrated on the 2nd February.
Reading Community Gospel Choir
We meet up with the winning Gospel choir of the Year to hear how two members, Jason and Valerie, experienced cancer within the family and depression, and how the choir were there every step of the way supporting them.
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Bayeux Tapestry Replica
Katherine Jenkins visits Reading Museum to meet Dr Anna Henderson, an expert in Medieval Acquisitions to find out more about a Bayeux Tapestry replica. The 70 metre Tapestry was made by 35 skilled Victorian women embroiderers in 1885 and depicts the events leading up to, and including the Battle of Hastings in 1066. Katherine also meets weavers who show her the intricate work tapestry involves as she finds out more about this faithful replica.
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Presenter | Katherine Jenkins |
Presenter | Kate Bottley |
Producer | David Waters |
Executive Producer | Cat Lewis |
Executive Producer | Emyr Afan |
Series Producer | Matthew Napier |
Production Company | Avanti Media |
Broadcast
- Sun 2 Feb 2020 13:15