The annual John Shannon lecture honours the contribution made to conservation by Dr John Shannon, who served as Chairman of York Civic Trust for nearly 40 years. Prof Kate Giles, University of York will deliver the 2026 lecture on a 20-year collaboration with colleagues in Stratford-upon-Avon revealing the significance of a remarkable complex of 15th century guild buildings. 

Prof Giles is a buildings archaeologist with a specialism in the recording, archival research and theoretical interpretation of historic buildings. She is particularly interested in communal buildings of the medieval and modern periods, from guildhalls to parish churches, and how we tell their stories in ways that inspire interest and encourage people to visit and care for them today.

The John Shannon Memorial lecture is jointly organised by York Civic Trust and the York Consortium for Conservation and Craftsmanship in partnership with the University of York and will take place in the Berrick Saul Building, on the University's Heslington Campus.