M R James on The Abbey Church at Bury

This event is now off sale. Any pre-booked, uncollected tickets will be available for collection on the door.

A dramatic recreation by Robert Lloyd Parry of M R James 1932 Athenaeum lecture

Renowned ghost story writer M R James was brought up near Bury and had a lifelong interest in the Abbey of St Edmund. He became the leading expert on its medieval manuscripts, and on the history and layout of its great abbey church.

He was involved in a heated debate over the authenticity of the ‘St Edmund relics’ of Toulouse and, through abbey records, located many of the abbots’ graves later revealed by excavation.

In April 1932, four years before his death, he gave a public lecture in the Athenaeum, summarising his lifetime’s research in an imaginary tour of the abbey church in its heyday.

His handwritten lecture notes were found in Cambridge University Library in 2018 by Dr Richard Hoggett, who transcribed and published them in 2020.

As part of the Abbey 1000 celebrations, Robert Lloyd Parry, performance storyteller of M R James’ ghost stories, will recreate this famous lecture, introduced by Dr Hoggett.

Times: 7pm-8.30pm
Tickets: Adults £10, Under 18s/Students £8
Booking: Essential - use the 'Book now' button or call 01284 758000
Venue: The Athenaeum, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds

This event is promoted by the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership, with the generous support of The Bury Society.