The Inaugural Lady Harrod Lecture – Parish Churches the Fight for Survival

Date: 24 April 2026 6pm £35.00

To mark our 50th Anniversary in 2026, the Norfolk Churches Trust is delighted to announce the launch of The Annual Lady Harrod Lecture, honouring Billa Harrod’s role in the founding the Trust.

Our speaker for the inaugural lecture, Parish Churches the Fight for Survival, will be John Goodall.

England’s parish churches constitute a living patrimony without precise European parallel, their architecture and fittings constituting a palimpsest of our social, political and religious history over the last millennium and more. The oldest of these buildings have been lucky survivors many times. At the present moment, however, they face multiple new threats. This talk will consider what issues lie at the heart of these existential problems and suggest ways in which it may be possible to save them, their contents, and their character for future generations.

Our venue will be the beautiful Bylaugh Hall, NR20 4RL

The itinerary for the evening is as follows: –

Arrival at 6pm and the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets
6.30pm – Lecture and any questions
Drinks and canapes 8pm  –  9pm

John Goodall is the architectural editor of Country Life. His books include The English Castle (2011) and Parish Church Treasures (2015). he sits on the fabric advisory committees of several great churches, and the Cathedral Fabrics Commission of England.  

Please note no tickets will be issued, your name(s) will be on a guest list on the door.

Book your place here

Back to Events

Other ways to support the Trust