The diocese explored its roots as it celebrated 500 years since the reformation.

In 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 complaints against the church on the door of the castle chapel in Wittenberg – the event that launched the Protestant Reformation, a revolution with consequences which are still felt today.

As churches throughout the county mark the momentous occasion with talks and services Salisbury Cathedral set out to educate the diocese.

To mark the 500th anniversary a study day, complete with lectures and workshops, was held on Saturday (October, 28) to look at the impact and repercussions in Britain and specifically Salisbury.

Sarah Rickett, Director of outreach and learning at the cathedral said: “Events are taking place across Europe to reflect on and mark the Reformation.

“It is hard to imagine in today’s multicultural society just big the impact was. It would have affected everyone, rich and poor, educated and otherwise.

“It changed the face of religion in Europe and here in Salisbury. The study day takes people through those turbulent times and give them an insight into what the Reformation meant and the time and its legacy.”

Starting at 10am in the North Transept, a series of lectures, guides and workshops were held throughout the day.

History professor Dr Lucy Wooding spoke about how the reformation has been mythologised and contested her lecture on the subject.

Guests also had the opportunity to see rare books from the period presented by the cathedral’s archivist Emily Naish.

Historian Alastair Endersby discussed how the reformation and upheavals of the Tudor period affected the people of Salisbury with a workshop exploring the evidence left behind by churchwardens.

Other activities included a cathedral reformation-themed tour and a guided visit to St Thomas’s Church.

Guests also had the chance to get creative with a practical workshop recreating the pre-reformation illumination book with gold leaf binding.