Simon of Sudbury's head to be unveiled at Heritage Centre ahead of public debate

A life-like model of the head of Simon of Sudbury is being gifted to the town’s museum this weekend, ahead of a public debate next week on whether the historical figure was a martyr or a monster.

The bronze resin cast, crafted from Archbishop Simon’s semi-mummified skull, will be unveiled at the Sudbury Heritage Centre in the Town Hall on Saturday at 10.30am, after it was donated by former town mayor Tony Platt.

The model is a twin to another cast in St Gregory’s Church, which has guarded Simon’s head for 600 years, after he was beheaded during the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381.

David Burnett, secretary and trustee of the Sudbury Museum Trust, which runs the Heritage Centre, said: “We are pleased to have Tony Platt’s gift on show, because it helps to give a feeling for the real man, much more so than the grisly remains in a cupboard.

“Having said that, if you met him face of face on a dark night, you might run a mile.”

Archbishop Simon’s role in the revolt will be discussed at a special debate event at St Gregory’s Church on Friday, June 15.

The event will be introduced by the Rev Canon Cheryl Collins at 6pm, before music by Jonny Day tells the story of the revolt.

The debate itself kicks off at 7pm, featuring English and politics professor John Denham, history professor Robert Tombs and former Friends of St Peter’s chairman Roger Green, and questions will be taken from the audience at 7.30pm.

To confirm your attendance, call 07980 667732.