Sunday 25th September

Noon onwards

Rajah Rammohu Roy (1772-1833) was an individual of truly global stature buried at Arnos Vale.  Born in Bengal at a time when much of India was being aborbed into the British empire and the old Mughal empire which had ruled since the 1500s, was in decline.

An extremely influential religious and political thinker, he coined the word "Hinduism" as a term for the diversity of Indian religions and wrote extensively on religious and social matters.  He stressed the importance of education for Indians, campaigned for women's rights and worked to end the traditional practice of sati, the burning of widows on the funeral pyres of their husbands.

The Rajah's rare an beautiful tomb is now a listed monument and has long been a place of pilgrimage for Bengalis and Indians.  Repaired and conservedin 2008 it is now the site of a commemorative ceremony held each year on the anniversary of the Rajah's death.

MEMORIAL SERVICE

Come and join us at noon for a memorial service in the Chapel. The Indian High Commissioner and the Lord Mayor of Bristol Cllr Geoff Gallop will also be attending the service. After the service there is more to see and do at Arnos Vale: Take one of our Guided Tours about the Makers of Bristol, visit our Cafe for tea/coffee and cakes, visit the Spielman Centre and join in with the authentic Indian Lunchtime menu, visit our Gift Shop for some unusual and unique gift ideas, watch the short film showing in the Anglican Chapel all about the Rajah in the afternoon. 

GUIDED TOURS - The Makers of Bristol

Arnos Vale Trust will also be running several themed Guided Tours in the afternoon. This trail sets out to discover some of the men and women, from the politicians and entrepreneurs to ordinary hard-working people who bequeathed us the modern city that is Bristol today. Filled to the brim with fascinating facts.  It is advisable to book for these tours in advance. Tickets available shortly.

FILM

Also showing in the afternoon will be a film all about the Rajah in the Anglican Chapel.  The film will be at 1:45pm-2:45pm.  

REFRESHMENTS

The Cafe will be open from 10:30-3:30pm serving teas, coffees and delicious cakes. 

INDIAN LUNCHTIME THEMED MENU

We also have the celebrated Clifton-based Indian caterers Coconut Chilli who will be serving an authentic Indian lunch menu between 12.30 and 2.30pm.

Coconut Chilli will be serving a light lunch of delicately spiced lamb kofta skewers with tarka dhal tempered with red chilli and mustard seeds on a bed of steamed basmati rice. Tangy pickles and mixed vegetable raitha is included and of course, vegetarians will be well catered for too.

If you are planning on attending the service and wish to enjoy this bespoke lunch, please email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we will have an idea of numbers for catering. Please note that there is a charge for food per plate of £7 | £4

To find out more about Coconut Chilli’s ‘preparation parties’ or fabulous catering service visit www.coconutchilli.com