A SERVICE in Leicester Cathedral on Sunday marked the earliest documented use of sign language in England: a marriage ceremony at what was then St Martin’s, on 6 February 1546.
That marriage was between Thomas Tillsye and Ursula Russel. A transcript of the wedding certificate records: “and because the sayde Thomas was and is naturally deafe and also dumbe, so that the order of the forme of marriage used usually among others which can heare or speake could not for his part be observed . . . the sayde Thomas, for the expression of his minde instead of words, of his own accorde used these signs.”
The transcript continues: “First he embraced her with his armes, and took her by the hande, putte a ring upon her finger and layed 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.”
As such, the ceremony stood as one of the earliest examples of inclusive worship in the Church of England. “A beautiful opportunity to recognise a unique moment in our history, when the Church responded creatively and compassionately so that love could be fully shared and celebrated,” the Dean of Leicester, the Very Revd Karen Rooms, said.
“It was a privilege to experience a service led in British Sign Language [BSL] where the oral tradition came second. This was both humbling and profound, and we hope to repeat this in the future.”
Dean Rooms continued: “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.”
A visiting Deaf choir from the city’s Church of the Good Shepherd contributed to the service, which incorporated BSL throughout. Canon Cathy Nightingale, preaching in BSL, said that Leicester had a rich history of helping deaf people to support themselves. “God’s image is in the diversity of creation; so it’s so important that the Church reflects the diversity of humans with mutual respect, the same respect that enabled Thomas to sign to his wife how much he loved her.”
The cathedral has begun a year-long focus on “access”, incorporating what it promises to be “more inclusive spaces, strengthened partnerships, and new opportunities for participation”.