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Celebrating 400 Years of Sir Francis Bacon

This website has been created by to provide information about the events and celebrations taking place around the world for the 400th anniversary of Sir Francis Bacon’s death.

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400 YEARS ON

2026: A Significant Commemoration

2026 marks the 400th anniversary of the death of Sir Francis Bacon, one of history’s greatest philosophers, scientists, and statesmen. As his home and final resting place, St Albans will be the focal point for global commemorations, featuring lectures, exhibitions, and community activities that celebrate his enduring legacy.

From groundbreaking contributions to the scientific method to his influence on modern thought, this anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on Bacon’s impact and explore his lasting significance in today’s world.

Global Events: Major international commemorations
Local Events in St Albans Talks, tours, exhibitions, and services
Academic Conferences: University-led discussions on Bacon’s works
Exhibitions & Art Displays: Paintings, manuscripts, and artifacts on display

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Explore Our Website

Navigate the key events and resources celebrating the 400th anniversary of Sir Francis Bacon’s legacy.

Upcoming Events

Throughout the year there will be events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Francis Bacon. See this section for more details and to find an event near you.

History of Francis Bacon

Click here to learn more about the life and legacy of Francis Bacon.

Our partners

Bacon400 is being supported by many organisations and individuals. Click here to find out about some of them.

Key events & celebrations

Featured Events

Bacon 400 Fireside Talk with Suzannah Lipscomb and Jesse Norman

Beginning our events focusing on the life of Francis Bacon on the 400 year anniversary of his death, we start with a fireside talk given by historian Suzannah Lipscomb and writer and MP Jesse Norman.

Join Suzannah and Jesse by the fireside in the Great Hall at Gorhambury House in front of Francis Bacon’s portrait and the chimney piece from his Tudor house – Old Gorhambury.

They will discuss the life and times of Francis Bacon – pioneering statesman, essayist and scientific thinker. Francis Bacon is most famous for his work in reforming the way we acquire knowledge, a project that laid the foundation for the modern scientific method.

The conversation will also touch on Jesse Norman’s historical novel, The Winding Stair, which explores the intense rivalry between Francis Bacon and his political nemesis, Edward Coke. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event.

Tickets include a glass of sparkling wine.

Jesse Norman is a politician, philosopher and author of The Winding Stair, who is currently serving as Shadow Leader of the House of Commons.

Suzannah Lipscomb has written and edited several books, presented more than sixty history programmes and series on BBC, ITV, More4, Channel 5 and Netflix, and hosts the successful Not Just the Tudors podcast from History Hit.

£50

Sir Francis Bacon and Gray’s Inn – Tour

Step inside Gray’s Inn and explore its historic grounds and rare archive material, including stories connected to Francis Bacon.

The tour of the Estate is planned to cover the Walks, Chapel, Library, Hall, Small Pension Room, Large Pension Room and Benchers Library.

There is also the option to have lunch in the Inn Dining Hall, for which there is an additional cost of £22.

£50

Joint Evensong with St Michael’s Church, Trinity College Cambridge & St Albans School choirs

Sir Francis Bacon was closely associated with each of the three organisations represented in the choirs at this service of Evensong; St Albans School was re-founded by his father, Bacon was a graduate of Trinity College Cambridge, and he was patron of and buried in St Michael’s church.

With music and liturgy that Bacon would have known, all are welcome to this service of Choral Evensong.

FREE

Bacon, author of the modern world? A discussion with Mark Rylance & Peter Dawkins

On this day of his death, we meet in St Michael’s Church to discuss the legacy of Francis Bacon; his impact on the modern world, and to hear readings from his work.

Tickets will be available from February 2026.