18/09/2026: The Life and Works of John Loughborough Pearson (1817-97) : A Talk by Patrick Newberry, MBE

Join us for the second of a series of Heritage and History talks - The Life and Works of John Loughborough Pearson (1817-97) : A Talk by Patrick Newberry, MBE. Events are for ticket holders only. Ticket holders will receive one complimentary drink on arrival. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic will be available. This event will be held in the Assembly Room in OCS. 18:45 Arrival 19:00 Guest Speaker 20:15 Q&A 20:30 End John Loughborough Pearson, architect of Truro Cathedral, was a highly successful nineteenth-century architect, whose soaring Gothic Revival churches boldly embodied the spirit of the nineteenth-century revival of the Church of England. In 1897 the Architectural Review noted that Pearson’s first London church, Holy Trinity, Bessborough Gardens, ‘attracted the admiration of such men as Sir Charles Barry, Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin and Sir George Gilbert Scott, the latter, indeed, pronouncing it to be the finest building of its kind that London could then boast of.’ Pearson went on to design many churches, two cathedrals, including Truro, and to become Surveyor to Westminster Abbey. His biographer, Anthony Quiney, described him as ‘this truly great Victorian architect.’ And yet Pearson has been neglected in modern times, not always recognised for the significant contribution that he made to Britain’s architectural history. Dr Patrick Newberry MBE was appointed as a Chapter member (Trustee) of Truro Cathedral in 2025. He is a Commissioner of Historic England and holds a number of non-executive roles in the financial sector. Dr Newberry is Chairman of the Cornwall College Group, the Cornish Buildings Group and was a senior partner in PwC for most of his career. He is a member of the Diocesan Synod and of the East Wivelshire Deanery Synod. He lives in East Cornwall with his wife, enjoying lecturing and writing about architectural history and sailing his classic boat when time and the weather permit. In this talk, Patrick Newberry will explore Pearson’s life and works and endeavour to restore his reputation as one of Britain’s most inspiring and capable Gothic Revival architects. The talks will explore the history, architecture and people that have shaped the cathedral and its place in Cornwall’s heritage. There will be regular talks by local historians and heritage experts, covering a wide range of topics. Regular Talks will take place throughout the year, and often will be held in the cathedral, the Chapter House or the Assembly Room, offering a unique setting to deepen our understanding of its history. Everyone is welcome whether you're a seasoned historian, a complete beginner, or simply passionate about Cornish history.