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.
- Booking essential
- Admission applies
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.
Times
The basics
- Booking number
Call 03442491895
- Accessibility
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.
- Meeting point
Enter The Vyne via Visitor Reception and follow the signposts to the house entrance. Show your e-ticket on your phone at the door. Please note we are unable to accept photos or screengrabs.
- Suitability for children
Best suited to adults and young people with an interest in history
- What to bring and wear
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.
- Other
Normal admission applies. National Trust members enjoy the best value.
Upcoming events
Exhibition: “Taste, Design, and the Georgian Gentleman”
In this house-wide exhibition, discover the legacy of Georgian owner of The Vyne, John Chute. Uncover John’s influence on and vision for the house and its interiors, positioning The Vyne as a centre of cultivated taste and personal expression.
Tour: ‘Taste, Design, & the Georgian Gentleman’
Wednesdays & Saturdays 3-4pm until 1 November: While a house-wide exhibition explores The Vyne’s Georgian design history, this hour-long biweekly tour takes a deeper dive into the life and legacy of style connoisseur John Chute.
Stranger Folk Digital Adventure
Saturday 3 October – Sunday 8 November, 10am-4pm: Perfect for ages 7-12, this magical new digital adventure played by mobile app is set to haunt The Vyne this autumn.
Who's in Your Book?
Sat 3 Oct – Sun 8 Nov | 10am-4pm: Oh no! Monster and his friends have escaped from their books, and only you can help return them home!