Watch the video of the lecture

This video (length: 1 hour, 50 minutes) includes:

• 000:00 - Dr Rebecca Lingwood: welcome and introductions
• 003:08 - Dr Francis Warner: 'Armageddon and faith: a survivor's meditation on the Blitz'
• 104:30 - Dr Francis Warner: audience questions

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About the lecture

Francis Warner was born in Yorkshire in 1937 but spent the years of the Second World War in Epsom, Surrey, where his father was a parish priest. In this very personal reminiscence, he describes the terrors of life in 'Bomb Alley', the sustenance provided by his family and his faith, and the effect the Blitz had on the lives of those who survived it.

About Dr Francis Warner

Francis Warner D.Litt, Lord White Fellow (now Emeritus Fellow) and Tutor in English Literature at St Peter's College, Oxford, was elected Pro-Proctor of Oxford University for the third time in 1999. On his retirement at the end of that year, St Catharine's College, Cambridge (his old undergraduate college) elected him to a Residential Honorary Fellowship for life. He is the author of much critically acclaimed drama and poetry.

Piano recital

The recital by David Goode paid homage to the pianists Myra Hess and Benno Moiseiwitsch, whose playing inspired many during the Second World War. In a programme spanning three centuries, David performed Beethoven's 'Pathétique' Sonata, Chopin's 3rd Ballade, and works by Bach, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, Vaughan Williams, Debussy, Ferguson and Marland.

About David Goode

David Goode is Organist and Head of Keyboard at Eton College. He has played at most of the major festivals in the UK, including several Proms appearances, and has toured around Europe, Australia, the Far East, Canada and South Africa. He is active as a professional pianist, with recent performances including solo works, chamber music with the Ravel Trio, and concertos by Rachmaninov and Brahms. Through his partnership with Francis Warner he has also emerged as a significant composer, and his work has been performed by leading groups such as the choirs of King's and St John's Colleges in Cambridge.

About the Madingley Lectures

The Madingley Lectures take place at Madingley Hall, home of the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education (ICE). This lecture series, given by eminent speakers across a wide range of subjects, is an important part of ICE's commitment to public engagement.

View the full list of lectures