Stories of Cats at Southwark Cathedral: Where Curiosity Finds a Home

Hodge Presents: Stories of Cats at Southwark Cathedral is a day-long event that turns our fascination with cats into something vibrant, playful and deeply human. Hosted by Hodge the Cat, the resident feline of the Cathedral, and liturgist and storyteller Rev David Guest, the programme gathers historians, animal behaviourists and creative thinkers to explore cats in history, culture and our homes. The setting adds to the charm: soaring nave, ancient stone, light filtering through stained glass and a sense of calm curiosity.  

The schedule delivers a rich mix of talks. One session traces the rise of cats in Edwardian society, another delves into medieval mousers in monastic settings, yet another uncovers cat behaviour quirks with practical insight. What unites them is a clear respect for the subject and a refusal to treat cats as mere cute accessories. The event lets the audience wander, listen or simply soak up the atmosphere.  

What works best is the tone. The speakers strike a pleasing balance of expertise and accessibility. There is genuine humour (yes, cats in cat-jumpers were encouraged), real scholarship and the kind of personal anecdotes that root even academic talk in lived experience. The venue’s architecture and the day’s informal layout mean the mood never feels stiff. On the flip side, the packed schedule sometimes means you’re flicking between topics and perhaps missing deeper dives. A little more time per talk might have allowed certain stories to land more fully.

In the space the energy is warm and communal. Visitors clad in cat-themed jumpers chat over tea, book stalls hum, volunteers from charities offer friendly greetings. The event doesn’t just talk about cats, it honours the connection we humans have with our feline neighbours. You leave with spare facts, a new appreciation and a smile. Hodge Presents: Stories of Cats is a delightfully crafted occasion for anyone curious about cats and culture. It senses the wonder in our daily domestic companions and elevates it without losing charm. A lively, thoughtful day out: go for the talks, stay for the company.