The lecture will be held in the church itself, St John the Baptist, Aston Cantlow, which was the subject matter of a dispute over chancel repair liability, raising questions of property law, ecclesiastical law, legal history and of the Human Rights Act 1998, which came into force during the course of litigation. 

It was a rare case where the five judges in the final court of appeal, the Judicial Committee of the House of Lords (this being before the creation of its successor, the UK Supreme Court) all gave separate opinions, with varying reflections on the legal nature of the Church of England, pointing towards questions for any debate on disestablishment. The case had a lasting impact on conveyancing and insurance, and the registration of overriding interests in land. To read more about the case, please see this recent article by Mark Hill KC and Professor Simon Lee which was originally published on U.K. Const. L. Blog (26th June 2023).

Practical Information
The event is free to attend but places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first reserved, basis. To attend, register your interest with Professor Simon Lee via s.lee19@aston.ac.uk by Friday 25 August. 
 
Programme
Monday, 4 September 2023
2.30 pm    Welcome, introduction to the church and tour by John Martin, former churchwarden
3.30 pm    Mark Hill KC lecture
4.30 pm    Replies and reflections from specialist commentators
5.15 pm    Open Q&A, chaired by Simon Lee, Aston University
5.45 pm    Conclusions led by Mark Hill KC
6.00 pm    Reception
6.45 pm    Close