It's the 350th anniversary of Thomas Traherne's burial at St Mary with St Alban Church in Teddington this year.

Traherne was a 17th century poet and mystic born in Hereford.

He studied in Oxford before coming to St Mary's, Teddington in 1667 as Chaplain, where he is now pictured in the east window.

The Stained Glass depiction of Thomas Traherne in St Mary with St Alban Church (Credit: St Mary with St Alban Church)

His luminous writings were rediscovered in the nineteenth century and promoted by TS Eliot.

His works are now widely read, and over 100 composers have set parts of them to music.

There are several events coming up this month to commemorate his anniversary, including:

This event is to mark the 350th anniversary of Traherne's burial here at St Mary with St Alban.

Saturday 12 October:  5.00pm Celebration & Commemoration Evening in church

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Traherne's poetry, both spoken and set to music, alongside talks by Bishop Lord Richard Harries, the theologian, writer and broadcaster, and Professor Sarah Hutton, from Oxford University's Traherne Project.

There'll also be a chance to chat over wine & nibbles.

Activities include:

• Readings of Traherne poetry and prose
• Performance of choral and instrumental works based on Traherne writings
• Talks by Bishop Lord Richard Harries and Professor Sarah Hutton
• Wine and nibbles

Tickets are free - with bar available and donations requested for drinks.

Get your tickets here.

Sunday 13 October: Sunday Services

• 8.00am Communion Service: Said Requiem for Traherne
• 9.00am Family Service, to include Traherne based stories/music for children
• 10.00am Parish Eucharist, focusing on Traherne, with choir/organ pieces

Morning and Evening Prayer on Zoom

On Monday 7, Tuesday 8, Wednesday 9, and Friday 11 October, morning and evening prayers will be held on Zoom and will include short pieces of Traherne's poetry and music based on his writings.

Find the Zoom link and more information here.

Wednesday 23 October: Choral Evensong

Sign-up now to join this parish trip to Choral Evensong at Magdalen College in Oxford as part of the Thomas Traherne 350^th anniversary celebrations being held there and at Brasenose.

Attendees will depart from SMwSA about 2pm and arrive in Oxford at 3.30pm.

Alternatively, you can meet at Magdalen College 5.30/5.45pm.

The service starts at 6pm prompt.

It is free but here will be travel costs to pay. 

Sign up here.

You can find out more about Traherne's life here.