Dr Edward Roberts (University of Kent): Primacy: Archbishops and Authority from Late Roman Africa to Medieval England

Why is the archbishop of Canterbury called the ‘primate of all England’? While the title comes from the position’s rank as the first (primas) bishop of the English church, there is in fact a long and intriguing history behind the notion of the primate bishop. Dr Edward Roberts (University of Kent) traces the medieval origins of this concept, from late Roman North Africa, to the Frankish empire of Charlemagne and the Carolingian dynasty in the ninth century, and finally to England in the time of the Norman Conquest, when a dispute over the matter erupted between the archbishops of Canterbury and York. Primacy was a controversial idea, and its history is bound up with some of the most notorious forgeries of the Middle Ages. This talk uncovers what it signified to be a primate and why the title repeatedly generated conflict in the medieval church.

All are welcome, but those wishing to attend should book a free ticket via Eventbrite or email archives@churchofengland.org no later than Wednesday 8 April 2026.

Please note that tickets must be booked individually for security purposes.