Saint Bede the Venerable
673 - 735
A new sun rises in the West
The Father of English Historiography, a simple monk who became the most learned scholar of his age.
Eight Figures of Holiness
In this exhibition we encounter eight figures of holiness who throw light on the unexpected nature of life, circumstances, and the call of God. Each was called to live in a particular time and place, to face particular dramas and problems.
Read Full IntroductionA Dialogue Between Unlikely Friends
At the heart of the exhibition is a dialogue between two of our "saints" who we like to think of as unlikely friends. Although as different from each other as you could imagine, both have a way of seeing things which penetrates to the heart of reality and the deepest meaning of the events that unfold in our lives and throughout history.
Julian and Chesterton then, are our guides. As they take us on a tour of (part of) the story of Christianity in these lands, through (parts of) the stories of these very human saints, allow yourself to be drawn into their vision of things.
You might end up seeing things upside down…
Enjoy the adventure!
Julian of Norwich
1342 - ?
Life Between Two Windows
The first woman to write in English, a visionary anchoress who received divine revelations.
Saint John Fisher
1469 - 1535
Silent Before a Two-Edged Sword
Bishop, scholar, and martyr who died for his conscience during the English Reformation.
Saint Edmund Campion
1540 - 1581
Summoned, Misunderstood, Betrayed
Jesuit priest and martyr, the brilliant Oxford scholar who returned to England on a dangerous mission.
Venerable Mary Ward
1585 - 1645
Behold I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth
A pioneering religious reformer who founded a religious community for women modeled on the Jesuits.
Blessed Dominic Barberi
1792 - 1849
The unexpected holiness of Padre Demonio
Italian Passionist priest who endured persecution to serve the English people and received John Henry Newman into the Catholic Church.
Gilbert Keith Chesterton
1874 - 1936
But for me my end is my beginning
The 'prince of paradox', prolific writer and journalist who found his way from doubt to Catholic faith through gratitude.
John Bradburne
1921 - 1979
Heads I stay, tails I go
Prolific poet, military hero, friend of lepers, and modern martyr whose spiritual odyssey ended in Zimbabwe.
Timeline of Christianity in Britain
Explore the rich history of Christianity in these lands, from the earliest missions to our modern saints. Follow the chronological journey that connects all our featured figures within the broader tapestry of British Christian heritage.
Explore TimelineAbout the Exhibition
Holy Unexpected is an exhibition exploring the lives of remarkable saints through beautiful contemporary stained glass representations. Here are some photographs from the original exhibit:
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