Exploring the Reformation at Exeter College

To mark the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s publication of the Ninety-five Theses (also known as the Disputation on the Power of Indulgences) that kick-started the Reformation, a programme of talks took place at Exeter’s Cohen Quad at the end of October.

The programme was organised by the Rev’d Andrew Allen, Exeter College’s chaplain, and began with a brief introduction by Rector Professor Sir Rick Trainor followed by a talk from Rev’d Allen on the Reformation and its reception in the 16th century and its relevance today. Emeritus Fellow in History Dr John Maddicott then spoke about the Reformation at Exeter College before Professor Dr Henrike Lahnemann, Professor of Medieval and Early Modern German at the University of Oxford, discussed music and the Reformation.

In the evening Exeter’s renowned choir were joined by the orchestra of the Oxford Bach Soloists to perform the Reformation Sunday cantata, ‘Nun danket alle Gott’ BWV 192. Throughout the day guests were able to inspect an exhibition of Exeter’s Reformation holdings. The event was very popular and led to lively discussions between talks and while enjoying refreshments afterwards. It was part of the UK-wide commemorations of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation supported by the German Embassy in London.

All of the talks from the day are available to view online by clicking here.