William Tyndale may never have visited Scarborough but St Mary’s Church in Scarborough recently had a great time learning all about him as part of the "Big Ideas by the Sea" festival.

Children from local schools spent time learning about William Tyndale, trying out AI Tyndale and designing and printing their own Bible front cover. They loved all the gruesome parts of the story of his life as well as finding out about printing and smuggling.

Many of the children were able to share stories of their experiences of arriving in school not being able to understand the language of lessons until they learnt English, and how important it is hearing lessons and worship in their own languages.

The adults then had their turn. A packed church heard an entertaining and informative talk by Dr Harry Spillane entitled ‘When God spoke English’. Dr Harry was most kind in staying and preaching the following morning – appropriately on Pentecost Sunday.

This was, for the most part, a forgotten part of church history for the folks here in Scarborough until prompted by church members to find out more. A big thank you to the Tyndale Society for all the help they gave us with this, as well as Dr Harry Spillane for making his way to the wilds of North Yorkshire to speak to us.

The Tyndale exhibition in St Mary’s Church continues until September 2026.

Report by Revd Samantha Treadwell