Leicester Cathedral (Cathedral Church of St Martin)

Over 1,000 people gathered in person or online at Leicester Cathedral on Sunday 8 February 2026 for a landmark service marking 450 years since the first dated use of sign language in England, which took place at St Martin's Church (now Leicester Cathedral) in 1576.

Church records document how Thomas Tilsye, who could neither hear nor speak, used signs to express his consent during his marriage to Ursula Russel. This moment – noted in the parish register – remains the earliest known account of sign language being used in an English church service and stands as a significant example of early inclusive worship.

Sunday's commemorative service honoured this legacy by being led throughout in British Sign Language (BSL).

The sermon, readings, and prayers were all delivered in BSL and voiced for hearing members of the congregation. The guest preacher was The Revd Canon Cathy Nightingale. The service also featured contributions from a visiting Deaf choir from the Church of the Good Shepherd, a ministry for Deaf and hard‑of‑hearing people within the Diocese of Leicester.

The service was attended by over 200 Deaf and hearing worshippers from across Leicester, Leicestershire and beyond, reflecting the depth of interest in this historic anniversary and the Cathedral's growing commitment to accessibility. More than 800 people have watched the service live-stream, which remains available to view for one month on the Cathedral YouTube channel.

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

'It was a privilege to experience a service led in British Sign Language, where the oral tradition came second. This was both humbling and profound, and we hope to repeat this in the future. We are committed to explore the ways in which people of all abilities, backgrounds, and experiences can lead us as we encounter God here at Leicester Cathedral – and to ensuring that the Cathedral is a place where everyone can be welcomed, belong, and worship.'

This anniversary service marks the first milestone in Leicester Cathedral's year‑long focus on 'Access', during which the Cathedral will continue to explore new ways of ensuring that people of every ability, background, and experience can encounter and participate fully in its life, worship, and events.

Future plans include the summer exhibition Seeking the Disabled Christ (a collection of prints by Rachel Holdforth depicting Jesus Christ in solidarity with all humanity), and a Leicester City Council Heritage board to commemorate the 450-year-old story of Thomas Tilsye and Ursula Russel (also planned for summer 2026). The Cathedral is also currently seeking funding to develop community-led projects to further engage people with their story.

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.'

Photos by Stephen Iliffe / Deaf Mosaic

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