Kate Giles is an expert in historic buildings with a particular interest in historic churches. She is Director of the Centre for the Study of Christianity & Culture at the University of York and a Trustee of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust.

In August 1852 a series of wall paintings were discovered during restoration works in the parish church of Pickering (North Yorkshire). The paintings, dated to the 15th century were recognised as being of national significance, as well as local curiosity and they were visited and drawn by many of emerging local architectural and antiquarian societies. However, their Catholic subject matter horrified the local vicar, who sought to destroy them. The story of what happened to Pickering’s medieval wall paintings is a typical example of the fate of many similar schemes in the 19th century, but the exceptional documentation of their discovery, restoration and conservation has enabled Professor Kate Giles (University of York) to tell this story in her recent book, which was awarded the Historians of Art Book Prize for 2024. This is a story of a very special place and some fascinating people, which is currently informing a new campaign to clean and conserve the scheme. 

Doors open at 7pm at Broad Street Methodist Church, Spalding. Lecture starts 7.30pm. Entry £5, full time students free.