The spectacular ambitions of Roger, Bishop of Salisbury – A Talk by Tony McAleavy

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One of the most extraordinary characters associated with the history of Salisbury was Bishop Roger (1102 – 1139) who controlled the diocese in the early 12th century and was also the chief advisor to King Henry I.

In today's terms, Roger was the prime minister and was, after the king, the most powerful person in the country. In this talk Tony McAleavy will describe the life and colourful character of Roger. He will explain the latest research findings concerning Roger's role in the building of the Romanesque work at Malmesbury Abbey and his plan to turn Malmesbury into a second cathedral for the bishops of Salisbury which led to a bitter conflict with the Malmesbury monks.

Tony McAleavy studied history at Oxford. He was for many years the schools history advisers for Gloucestershire County Council. In this talk he will draw upon the findings about the career of Roger recently published in a new book about the history of Malmesbury Abbey in the Middle Ages.

This is a fundraising talk for Salisbury Museum (registered charity no 289850)

£9 Members; £12 Non-members

Pre-booking essential