Lunchtime Talk: Divine Light
Author Janet Gough shines a light on how stained-glass windows continue to instruct, inspire and illuminate in this captivating Lunchtime Talk.
Join Janet Gough, author of Divine Light, in St Margaret’s Church to explore the history and legacy of stained-glass windows. From the Middle Ages to the present day, the artistic beauty and enduring power of this art form has been used to spread sacred stories across the centuries. Janet will use examples from Westminster Abbey and St Margaret’s Church to reflect on how these windows have shaped sacred spaces across England.
Copies of Divine Light will be available for purchase at the end of this event.
About the Lunchtime Talk Series
Held on the second Wednesday of every month at St Margaret’s Church, our Lunchtime Talk series invites visitors to explore different aspects of Westminster Abbey’s rich history. Each talk features expert speakers and unique perspectives, perfect for anyone interested in art, architecture, and heritage.
About Janet Gough
Janet Gough OBE was Director of Cathedrals and Church Buildings for the Church of England for eight years. A Cambridge graduate in History and History of Art, she previously worked at Sotheby’s and is now a leading advocate for the appreciation of church heritage. She is the author of four illustrated paperbacks, most recently published in October Divine Light: The Stained Glass of England’s Cathedrals (2025). Janet received an OBE in 2017 for services to heritage and advised Royal Mail on its Cathedral Christmas stamps for Christmas 2024.
Ticketing information
This event does not include entry to Westminster Abbey. We recommend looking at the Visit us pages to plan a visit during opening hours.
If you would like to look around the rest of the Abbey during your visit then we recommend you do so before you attend the Lunchtime Talk. This is to allow you enough time to see as much as possible.
Free for Associates but booking is required. Admission will be granted upon presentation of a valid Association membership card.
Age suitability
This event is for adults and young people over the age of 16, please see our family pages for information and events to explore this theme as a family.
Timings
Doors will open at 12:45pm and the talk will begin at 1:00pm. There will be time for an audience Q&A from 1:40pm.
Meeting location
This event takes place in St Margaret's Church, please follow main visitor entry route through the security check where the event will be signposted.
Access and security
Please have your ticket ready to show our staff (either printed or on your mobile phone).
On your arrival, your bag will be searched and we ask you not to bring any large items with you (for example suitcases, large backpacks or folding bicycles) as these will not be allowed inside and we are unable to store them for you.
The Abbey is committed to creating inclusive and accessible events for all. If you have any access requirements or questions about your visit, please contact us when booking. [email protected]
Filming and photography
Please note that filming and sound recording are not permitted in St Margaret's. See our photography policy for more information.
