News Archive

Celebration of Priest and Poet
1593 - 1633 

 Friday 26 - Sunday 28 September, 2008
Mongomery and Powis Castle
www.montgomery-wales.co.uk

Following his death in 1633, Montgomery-born George Herbert became one of the most popular writers of the seventeenth century; a poet whose influence still extends around the world. Many of Herbert’s poems have been used as hymns, and are characterised by a directness of expression and intricate rhyme schemes. He also wrote Jacula Prudentium, a collection of pithy proverbs published in 1651 which included many sayings still repeated today, for example "His bark is worse than his bite." Herbert influenced his fellow metaphysical poet Henry Vaughan who, in turn, influenced William Wordsworth.

The Church of St. Nicholas and Montgomery town will celebrate the life and work of Herbert in a weekend long festival at the end of September. Events include an evening of poetry readings and songs of the period, various exhibitions of associated artefacts and artworks, a service of thanksgiving and guided walks.


Order of Events:

Friday 26 to Sunday 28 September - 10.30 am - 5 pm
An Exhibition of the Work of the Celebrated Artist Roger Wagner in Montgomery Town Hall
- Includes a first showing of his painting ’The Road to Emmaus’

Saturday 27 September - 3.30 pm
George Herbert in Bemerton and Salisbury in Montgomery Parish Church
- A presentation by the George Hebert Bemerton Group

Saturday 27 September - 7.30 pm
’An Evening with George Herbert’ in the Ballroom, Powis Castle
- Poetry readings and songs of the period with wine and refreshments (tickets £15)
Contact Joan Jones on 01686 668241

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September - 9.30 am
Guided Walks from the Castle Car Park
- Conducted by Members of the Montgomery Civic Society

Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 September - 10.30 am - 5 pm
An Exhibition in Montgomery ’Old Bell’ Museum
- Includes facsimiles relating to George Herbert from the seventeenth century and other interesting exhibits

Sunday 28 September - 11 am
Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving in the Parish Church of St. Nicholas
- Based on the 17th Century Order of Worship with well known hymns and poems set to music

For more information on the weekend, including a downloadable brochure, please visit the Montgomery town website.