A Remarkable Reunion: Heritage Open Days at Norwich’s Cathedral of St John the Baptist

In a heartwarming convergence of history and happenstance, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich recently hosted another successful series of events as part of the national Heritage Open Days celebration this September. The annual festival, which invites the public to explore historical sites often closed to general access, brought together an unexpected pair—a historian and the unwitting protagonist of a famous local incident that occurred nearly four decades ago. This chance meeting added a special touch to what was already a vibrant week of historical exploration and community engagement at one of Norwich’s most magnificent landmarks.

The Cathedral’s staff and volunteers had meticulously prepared a full schedule of events designed to showcase the site’s rich heritage and architectural splendor. Among the most popular offerings was a series of talks by Dr. Richard Maguire, the Cathedral’s Heritage Officer, who crafted a presentation with an intriguing title: “Nothing fills a hole like a double decker – The Site of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist.” This cleverly named talk used as its centerpiece a memorable incident from Norwich’s recent past—when a No. 26 double-decker bus dramatically fell into a sinkhole just yards from the Cathedral on March 3, 1988. Dr. Maguire utilized this attention-grabbing event as a gateway to explore the deeper history of the Cathedral grounds, tracing its evolution from medieval times to the present day. The presentation revealed how the geology and historical development of the area created the perfect conditions for such an unusual occurrence, while simultaneously illuminating the broader historical context of this important religious site.

What transformed this scholarly presentation into something truly remarkable was the unexpected presence of Jim Pightling, the very bus driver who had been at the wheel during that infamous day in 1988 when his double-decker vehicle suddenly dropped into the Norwich street. For thirty-six years, Mr. Pightling had lived with the memory of this extraordinary incident that briefly made headlines across the nation, yet had never fully understood the geological and historical factors that had caused the ground to give way beneath his bus. As Dr. Maguire delivered his detailed explanation of the site’s underlying composition and historical modifications that had contributed to the formation of the sinkhole, Mr. Pightling sat among the audience, finally gaining insight into an event that had become a defining moment in his life and career. The revelation of his presence came as a complete surprise to Dr. Maguire, who was “astonished” to learn that the protagonist of his historical anecdote was sitting before him, listening intently to the explanation of an incident he had experienced firsthand.

The Cathedral’s Heritage Open Days programming extended far beyond this single talk, though it certainly became the highlight that attendees would remember most vividly. The events attracted significant public interest, with approximately ninety people attending Dr. Maguire’s presentations across two sessions. Another fifty visitors participated in the exclusive Hidden Places Tour, a rare opportunity to explore normally restricted areas of the Cathedral complex. These behind-the-scenes experiences allowed participants to venture into spaces typically closed to the public, offering glimpses of architectural details, historical features, and functional areas that contribute to the Cathedral’s operations but remain unseen during regular visits. Such exclusive access is precisely what makes Heritage Open Days so special across the United Kingdom—the chance to step beyond the usual boundaries and develop a deeper connection with historical sites that form part of the national heritage.

The unexpected reunion between Dr. Maguire and Mr. Pightling perfectly encapsulates the value of such heritage initiatives—connecting individual human experiences with broader historical narratives, and bringing communities together through shared cultural memory. For Mr. Pightling, the presentation offered closure and understanding about an incident that had likely followed him through the decades. For Dr. Maguire and the Cathedral staff, it provided an extraordinary validation of their work in preserving and interpreting local history. And for the other attendees, witnessing this meeting between historian and historical figure added a powerful dimension to their understanding of how past events continue to resonate in the present. The moment was captured in a photograph of the two men together, documenting an encounter that neither could have anticipated but that enriched the Heritage Open Days experience immeasurably.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist expressed profound gratitude not only to Mr. Pightling for his attendance but to all participants who supported the Heritage Open Days events in 2025. This annual celebration of history, architecture, and community continues to demonstrate how historical sites remain living, breathing parts of contemporary society—not merely preserved relics of the past, but active spaces where history continues to unfold in unexpected ways. The successful program at the Cathedral stands as testament to the enduring public interest in cultural heritage and the value of making historical sites accessible to all. As preparations will undoubtedly begin for next year’s Heritage Open Days, the Cathedral staff will carry forward the memory of this year’s remarkable coincidence—a reminder that sometimes, history has a way of coming full circle in the most delightful and surprising ways.