Among the treasures on display in Winchester Cathedral is the ancient Sigmund Stone, excavated from the remains of the Saxon cathedral on the same site. Carved on this stone fragment is a scene from the Old Norse Volsunga Saga, a compendium of tales that provide a window into the treacherous and brutal Viking world. Aisha Al-Sadie, Learning Officer at the cathedral, takes us back to the time of wolves and forests, great feasts and bloody battles as she narrates a story of King Volsung and his feud with the dastardly King Siggeir.
The Sigmund Stone is on display in the Kings and Scribes exhibition in Winchester Cathedral, which will be open to the public from May 17th, subject to government guidelines.
The Sigmund Stone that is on display at Winchester Cathedral’s Kings and Scribes exhibit.
Aisha Al-Sadie
Learning Officer and Interim Curator Aisha Al-Sadie is passionate about the incredible building that she has had the privilege of working in over the last three years.
Born in Scotland and graduating with a BA (Hons) Degree in Fine Art from Edinburgh College of Art, Aisha started out by volunteering with the National Trust for Scotland and the National Museums Scotland. From there she was awarded a place on the coveted Heritage Lottery Fund Skills for the Future Traineeship with The Royal Commission for the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCHAMS) where she gained experience in the sector as well as a Foundation Degree in Archive Interpretation from Dundee University.
As part of her RCHAMS traineeship, she was placed at the National Trust for Scotland’s Falkland Palace and Gardens where a permeant full-time position was soon made for her as the Palace’s first Learning Officer. After three years developing the Palace’s learning programmes, interpretation and family events she moved to John Wesley’s Chapel, Museum and House in London as their first Learning Officer. Over the next two years, she created their first learning programmes, family events, social media presence as well as founding the Faith and Heritage Learning Network with several other London sites such as St Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Jewish Museum.
““I never imagined that my journey would lead me to this incredible place. To be able to share the Cathedral’s stories and show people that there is something here for everyone is a dream come true.””
Further Information and Additional Links
For more information and to hear the story again as part of a school class visit email the Learning Team at learning.centre@winchester-cathedral.org.uk
You can find out more information about Winchester Cathedral on their website or follow them on social media:
Web: www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
Facebook: @winchestercathedral
Twitter: @winCathedral
Instagram: @winchestercathedral