Revelations of Divine Love stands as the earliest surviving English-language work attributed to a woman, written by an inhabitant of Norwich during the fourteenth century. Often referred to by various names, this theologian and anchorite spent her adult life in permanent seclusion within a cell attached to St Julian's Church, operating within the Catholic tradition of the Kingdom of England.
Historical Context
Living from 1343 to 1500, Julian resided in Norwich, a vital centre for trade and religion in the Kingdom of England. Her lifetime encompassed significant social and political upheaval, including the Black Death outbreaks starting in 1348 and the 1381 Peasants' Revolt. The local landscape was dominated by diverse religious institutions, such as the Benedictine priory at Carrow Abbey and the Carmelite monastery, which fostered a culture of extreme religious devotion.
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At age 30, Julian fell critically ill and received last rites on 8 May 1373. While expecting death, she experienced a series of sixteen visions or 'shewings' concerning the Passion of Christ. These intense spiritual events began as she observed a crucifix and perceived the figure of Jesus bleeding. She recovered from her illness by 13 May 1373 and subsequently documented these experiences in two distinct versions, with the more extensive 'Long Text' composed many years later.
Life as an Anchoress
Julian committed to the life of an anchorite, dwelling in isolation to focus on religious contemplation. Evidence of her existence and status is primarily derived from four fourteenth and fifteenth-century wills that mention bequests to a Norwich anchorite named Julian. She also acted as a spiritual advisor to contemporaries; the mystic Margery Kempe recorded visiting Julian around 1414 to seek counsel, noting that the anchoress was considered an expert in divine revelations.
Transmission of Writings
Though her theological contributions were influential during her life, the Reformation hindered the publication of her work for centuries. Her writings eventually re-emerged in print in 1670 through the efforts of Serenus de Cressy. Modern scholars recognize her as a significant Christian mystic whose work highlights the transition of English religious philosophy during a volatile era in the Kingdom of England.
Fast facts
- Born: 1343, Norwich
- Died: 1500, Norwich
- Occupation: Anchorite, writer, theologian
- Key Work: Revelations of Divine Love
- Primary Residence: St Julian's Church, Norwich
- Language: Middle English
- Citizenship: Kingdom of England
Questions readers ask
What is an anchoress?
An anchoress was an individual who chose to live in permanent, religious seclusion, typically within a small cell attached to a church.
When were Julian's writings first published?
The Long Text of her work was first published in 1670 by the Benedictine monk Serenus de Cressy.
Achievements
- Notable work: Revelations of Divine Love
