July Publications

Just arrived on my desk is this handsome volume, produced by two Westminster Diocesan priests, Fr Gerard Skinner and Fr Nicholas Schofield. Fr Nicholas runs a celebrated blog, and writes about publication of his book here.

As well as an authoritative text, many of the pictures in the book have not been seen before, including this superb plate of a Cardinal's galero resting upon the High Altar of the Cathedral. The scope of the book encompasses not just English-born prelates, but several exotic Italians who held English sees. The authors are to be congratulated on a painstakingly researched and very readable book. The English Cardinals is widely on sale - and can be obtained from the Cathedral gift shop.

There is, of course, a fine chapter on my namesake, Cardinal Simon Langham (Fr Skinner had assured me he would receive maximum attention!). Cardinal Langham features also in the July/August bumper edition of Oremus, the Cathedral magazine.

As well as many items of interest about the Cathedral, and its history, this summer edition recalls my own travels in search of my namesake, which took me from Ely to Avignon, and finally down the road to Westminster Abbey.

Cardinal Langham's tomb is the oldest figurative effigy in the Abbey (below), and has survived the ravages of time. He deserves a posting to himself, so more later!