450th Anniversary of Sign Language – Leicester Cathedral

Leicester Cathedral will host a special service to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the first recorded use of sign language in England – part of its year-long focus on accessibility this year.

Leicester Year of Access with service celebrating first deaf service with use of sign language.

Church records show that the earliest documented use of sign language in this country was in a marriage ceremony between two people named Thomas Tilsye and Ursula Russel in St Martin’s Church (now Leicester Cathedral) on 6 February 1576.

It stands as one of the earliest documented examples of inclusive worship in the Church of England and to honour this anniversary, the cathedral will incorporate British Sign Language (BSL) throughout.

• The guest preacher, The Revd Canon Cathy Nightingale, will preach in BSL.
• The readings and prayers will be delivered in BSL.
• There will be a visiting Deaf choir from the Church of the Good Shepherd, a ministry for Deaf and hard of hearing people from the Diocese of Leicester too.

This anniversary service marks the first milestone in its year of ‘Access’ during which time the cathedral will further explore ways in which people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences can encounter the life of their Cathedral through more inclusive spaces, strengthened partnerships, and new opportunities for participation.

The Very Revd Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester, said,

‘This anniversary offers a beautiful opportunity to recognise a unique moment in our history, when the Church responded creatively and compassionately so that love could be fully shared and celebrated. As we reflect on that wedding in 1576, we recommit ourselves to ensuring that Leicester Cathedral is a place where everyone can belong, worship, and be welcomed.’

The service will take place on Sunday 8 February 2026 at 3.30pm. Doors will open at 3.00pm.