Exhibition on Wren's Life & Work

Sir Christopher Wren was a famous architect who became at student at Wadham College in 1650. At Wadham, he became closely associated with the Warden, John Wilkins. He went on to become Professor of Astronomy at Gresham College, and it was after one of his lectures there, on 28 November 1660, that the Royal Society was founded.

He was born in East Knoyle, Wiltshire and in this 300th anniversary of his death, the village is hosting several events in honour of him.

East Knoyle parish church
Feb 13-19

John Maine presents an exhibition of Wren's architectural drawings and models and period churches. St Mary's, the parish church of East Knoyle, holds some intriguing plasterwork figures in the chancel commissioned by Wren's father, Rector, which survived the Civil War and the passage of time.

East Knoyle parish church
Feb 18 | 19:00

This concert in St Mary's church features Aiming at Eternity, a new work about Wren for choir, flute and piano composed by Andrew Wilson in collaboration with poet Stella Davis, and performed by the Orlando Singers (conductor, Sam Hanson), with Ruth Molins (flute). The choir will sing music contemporary to Wren. Tickets are £15.

East Knoyle parish church
Feb 19 | 14:30

Rory Coonan, a graduate of Wadham, is an honorary fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects and former director of architecture at the Arts Council. He is convening Wren 300 events at Wadham in June 2023. This has now been cancelled.

East Knoyle resident, John Maine RA is sculpting a memorial to commemorate Wren's life and work, which will be placed opposite the site of his birth house (sadly demolished) at the centre of the village.