Julian of Norwich

Two years ago, I wrote a paper about Julian of Norwich for my medieval church history class. Since Norwich is just over 2 hours from London by train, it's been high on my places to visit ever since we moved here, and I finally got there over the weekend. My first stop after arriving on Saturday - and my last stop before departing on Monday - was St Julian's Church. Julian of Norwich was an anchoress (see "Shere" from 27th March) here, so she adopted the name of the male saint to which this church was dedicated.



At the back of the church, the small cell in which she lived has been replaced by a larger chapel (right). On 8th May 1373, when she was 30 years old, Julian received a series of visions during a severe illness. She recovered, and went on to write Revelations of Divine Love, the first known book in English written by a woman, and today a spiritual classic.



It is a very peaceful area, both inside the chapel (left), and outside on grounds that include benches and a garden. There is also a retreat house adjacent to the church. Tucked away on a side street, its purpose today is to be a place of quietness and prayer in the midst of a busy city.



Mother Julian (she was never made a saint) is depicted in the Benedictine window of Norwich Cathedral. It is located on the site of a former monastery, and one theory says that those Benedictines taught Julian to read and write before she became an anchoress.



She appears in the lower right hand corner.



More recently, 2 statues were added to the west entrance of the cathedral. St Benedict is on the right...



...and Mother Julian is on the left, holding her book.



I reread my paper during my stay in Norwich. Being right there certainly made it more real...and meaningful.