Cathedrals Host Exhibitions Marking 500 Years of Tyndale’s New Testament

Several Church of England cathedrals, including Blackburn, St Paul’s in London, and Chester, are currently hosting exhibitions to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first printing of William Tyndale’s English New Testament. The displays explore the historical context of Tudor England, the life of the translator, and the technological advancements that allowed his work to spread despite being banned by King Henry VIII.

The exhibitions highlight Tyndale’s significant influence on the English language and the development of subsequent Bibles, noting that approximately 80 percent of the New Testament in the 1611 King James Version is derived from his original translation. Visitors are invited to learn about Tyndale’s execution in 1536 and his lasting impact on global Christian faith and speech.

While these cathedrals have dedicated space to the anniversary, the absence of a similar exhibition at Canterbury Cathedral has been noted by some observers. The Blackburn Cathedral exhibition, which launched in September, is scheduled to remain open to the public through November.