Talk: Who cut up The Vyne's cathedral book?
Why would anyone cut up a rare seventeenth-century book?
As part of The Vyne's exhibition Taste, Design and the Georgian Gentleman, this talk investigates a collection gem with an intriguing tale to tell.
2 & 18 Oct 2026 | 3.15-4.15pm
Published in 1658, Sir William Dugdale's The History of St Paul's Cathedral in London is one of the most important records of Old St Paul's Cathedral before its destruction in the Great Fire of London.
Yet at some point in its history, sections of it were cut out.
Why was this extraordinary piece of history cut apart? Who was responsible? And how does this curious act connect to the story of The Vyne and one of its most influential owners?
Join us as we unravel the clues and reveal the surprising story behind this historic treasure.
After the talk, there will be time for questions and an opportunity to see the vandalised volume on display in the house.
Tickets £15 per person. Normal admission applies.
Image credit: John Miller
Please note:
- Standard admission charges apply to non-members on arrival.
- Enter The Vyne via Visitor Reception and follow the signposts to the house entrance. Show your e-ticket on your phone at the door. We are unable to accept photos or screengrabs.
- As you'll need to walk through the gardens to get to the indoor talk, you'll need to dress for the weather and wear flat shoes. It's a good idea to bring a warm layer with you in cold weather.
- Hard gravel paths in the gardens are suitable for wheelchairs and we have a ramp available at the house entrance. This event takes place on the ground floor of the house. Please indicate at the time of booking if you have any specific accessibility requirements.
- Best suited to adults and young people with an interest in history
Ticket options
Why would anyone cut up a rare seventeenth-century book?
As part of The Vyne's exhibition Taste, Design and the Georgian Gentleman, this talk investigates a collection gem with an intriguing tale to tell.
2 & 18 Oct 2026 | 3.15-4.15pm
Published in 1658, Sir William Dugdale's The History of St Paul's Cathedral in London is one of the most important records of Old St Paul's Cathedral before its destruction in the Great Fire of London.
Yet at some point in its history, sections of it were cut out.
Why was this extraordinary piece of history cut apart? Who was responsible? And how does this curious act connect to the story of The Vyne and one of its most influential owners?
Join us as we unravel the clues and reveal the surprising story behind this historic treasure.
After the talk, there will be time for questions and an opportunity to see the vandalised volume on display in the house.
Tickets £15 per person. Normal admission applies.
Image credit: John Miller
Please note:
- Standard admission charges apply to non-members on arrival.
- Enter The Vyne via Visitor Reception and follow the signposts to the house entrance. Show your e-ticket on your phone at the door. We are unable to accept photos or screengrabs.
- As you'll need to walk through the gardens to get to the indoor talk, you'll need to dress for the weather and wear flat shoes. It's a good idea to bring a warm layer with you in cold weather.
- Hard gravel paths in the gardens are suitable for wheelchairs and we have a ramp available at the house entrance. This event takes place on the ground floor of the house. Please indicate at the time of booking if you have any specific accessibility requirements.
- Best suited to adults and young people with an interest in history
Our payments are processed using : Sage Pay
