The 2024 Jonathan Riley-Smith Memorial Lecture, an in-person evening talk in partnership with the St John Historical Society.

Through close analysis of some of the stunning illuminations within the Museum’s treasured missal, Professor William Purkis will explore how depictions of holy people, places and things might have served as a stimulus for crusading and pilgrimage, both real and imagined.

There will be an opportunity to view the Rhodes Missal, not usually on display.

Professor Purkis is a historian of medieval religious cultures (c.1000–c.1300), with particular interests in crusading, pilgrimage and monasticism. He completed his PhD at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, working under the supervision of Jonathan Riley-Smith. He holds the position of Librarian of the Priory of England and the Islands, a senior heritage advisory role for the Order of St John and St John Ambulance.

Click here to book for Holy People, Places and Things in the Hospitallers’ Rhodes Missal via Eventbrite or call us on 020 7324 4005.