Fifty-two members of the Society and their guests gathered on a blustery morning at the gates of Arundel Castle for the Society’s summer visit. This special event, in our Centenary year, was arranged courtesy of our President, His Grace the Duke of Norfolk.
The day began with a tour of the principal rooms of the Castle. Our group was divided into two and we were given a riveting history of the Castle since construction began on its original structure in 1067 and the fortunes of the Norfolk family. On our tour we were taken to the balcony within the Chapel, the exquisite library, the state rooms including the Baronial Hall and the Dining Room. The Castle’s art and artefacts collection is dazzling and our guide imparted as much information as she could within the allotted hour!
At the end of the tour we were led to the Chapel where Fr Peter Harris, the Society’s Chaplain, celebrated Holy Mass for the feast of Our Lady’s Nativity. We were treated to a marvellous homily and everyone sung the chosen Marian hymns enthusiastically.
Lunch in the refectory was followed by an excellent talk given by the historian and Arundel resident, Oliver Hawkins. Oliver spoke to us in colourful detail about the life of Henry XV Duke of Norfolk, ‘Our Little Duke’, as he was universally and affectionately known. He inherited the dukedom at the age of thirteen and the account of his life was interesting and entertaining.
The Chairman thanked our speaker, Fr Peter and Priscilla Sharp for organising a wonderful visit. Members of the Society look forward to returning to Arundel Castle in the not too distant future!
The Society of St Augustine of Canterbury 