Edith Cavell 110

The story of Norfolk nurse and First World War heroine Edith Cavell will be honoured at a special weekend at Norwich Cathedral.

Edith Cavell 110 will take place on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October to mark the 110th anniversary of Edith’s death on October 12 1915.

The free anniversary event is open to all and will see experts from Europe and America gather to share their reflections and new insights on the life and legacy of Edith who during the war nursed soldiers from both sides in occupied Belgium and helped more than 200 Allied soldiers reach safety.

The Revd Dr Peter Doll, Norwich Cathedral’s Canon Librarian and Vice Dean, said: “Even today, so long after her death, Edith’s extraordinary life and witness continue to engage and inspire people around the world. The Edith Cavell 110 weekend will bring together leading scholars and organisations dedicated to sustaining her memory today to glean new insights into her legacy.”

During the Edith Cavell 110 weekend, all are welcome to attend the annual graveside commemoration beside Edith’s grave on Saturday 11 October at 11am.

In the afternoon, the symposium New Insights into Edith Cavell’s Life and Legacy will see experts share reflections from their ongoing research about Edith.

Key speakers include:

• Professor Emmanuel Debruyne, Louvain University, Belgium
• Candice Millard, biographer, Kansas City, Missouri, United States
• The Revd Dr Peter Doll, Norwich Cathedral
• Andrew Brown, Group Chairman, Belgian Edith Cavell Commemoration Group
• Nick Miller, Edith Cavell Archivist from Edith’s home village of Swardeston
• Professor Nancy Fontaine, Chair of Trustees of the charity Cavell, founded in memory of Edith and supporting nurses, midwives and healthcare assistants.

On Sunday 12 October, the preacher at Norwich Cathedral’s 3.30pm Festal Evensong will be Canon Jack MacDonald, Chaplain-General of the Anglican Central Committee in Belgium, and a Canon of Holy Trinity Brussels, where Edith worshipped during her last year in Belgium.

No tickets are needed for the services but free tickets for the symposium on Saturday 11 October should be booked in advance by clicking the button below.

The full Edith Cavell 110 programme

Saturday 11 October

8am Holy Eucharist

11am Graveside Commemoration

12 noon Refreshments

1.30pm Symposium: New Insights into Edith Cavell’s Life and Legacy

Sunday 12 October

(The Feast of Edith Cavell)

8am Holy Communion

9.30am Sung Eucharist

3.30pm Festal Evensong, preacher, Canon Jack MacDonald, Chaplain-General of the Anglican Central Committee in Belgium