Leicester Cathedral will host a special service to commemorate the 450th anniversary of the first recorded use of sign language in England, which took place at St Martin's Church (now Leicester Cathedral) in 1576.

The earliest documented use of sign language in this country, church records show that sign language was used in a marriage ceremony between two people named Thomas Tilsye and Ursula Russel in the church that is now Leicester Cathedral on 6 February 1576.

It stands as one of the earliest documented examples of inclusive worship in the Church of England.

As we honour this anniversary, all are warmly invited to join us for a service that will incorporate British Sign Language (BSL) throughout.

• The guest preacher, The Revd Canon Cathy Nightingale, will preach in BSL.
• The readings and prayers will also be delivered in BSL.
• We are delighted to welcome a visiting Deaf choir from the Church of the Good Shepherd, a ministry for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing people based within the Diocese of Leicester, who will also contribute.

This anniversary service marks the first milestone in a year-long focus on 'Access' at Leicester Cathedral. Throughout 2026, we will deepen and further explore the 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 service will take place on Sunday 8 February 2026 at 3.30pm. Doors will open at 3.00pm.

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.'

People from across Leicester, Leicestershire, and beyond are invited to take part in this extraordinary celebration as we step into a renewed year of access, hospitality, and shared faith.

A transcript of the 1576 wedding certificate:

'Thomas Tillsye and Ursula Russel were marryed: and because the sayde Thomas was and is naturally deafe and also dumbe, so that the order of the forme of marriage used usually amongst others which can heare and speake could not for his parte be observed … the sayde Thomas, for the expression of his minde instead of words, of his own accorde used these signs…

'First he embraced her with his armes, and took her by the hande, putt a ring upon her finger and layde his hande upon her harte, and held his hands towards heaven; and to show his continuance to dwell with her to his lyves ende he did it by closing of his eyes with his hands and digging out of the earthe with his foote, and pulling as though he would ring a bell with divers other signs approved.'