Julian of Norwich
The 14th-century mystic Mother Julian of Norwich has been gaining new admirers in recent years. Mark Tully asks what this visionary medieval theologian has to offer society now.
Mark Tully investigates the resurgence of interest in Mother Julian of Norwich.
Mother Julian was an anchoress, or hermit, who shut herself up in a cell, following a series of visions of Christ during a dangerous illness. She referred to herself as "a simple creature" and yet has been described as "the greatest English theologian".
Mark looks at the earliest manuscripts of her Revelations of Divine Love with bibliographic historian Dr Mary Wellesley at the British Library, and discusses the powerful appeal of the book considered to be the first by a woman writing in English.
Through readings and music inspired by Julian's life and work, he explores her increasing popularity with a modern audience and admirers, including the composer Roxanna Panufnik, the mystic and author Thomas Merton and the poet TS Eliot.
The readers are Jane Whittenshaw and David Westhead.
Presenter: Mark Tully
Producer: Frank Stirling
A 7digital production for ±«Óãtv Radio 4.
Last on
Music Played
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Roxanna Panufnik
All Shall Be Well
Performer: Exultate Singers.- All Shall Be Well.
- Naxos.
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Anonymous
Tu civium primas for 4 voices [14th century (?Norwich MS)]
Performer: The Hilliard Ensemble.- Medieval English Music - Masters of the 14th & 15th Centuries.
- Harmonia Mundi.
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Stephen Yarbrough
All Love Unbounded
Performer: Julian Trio.- Attracting Opposites: New Music for Piano Trio.
- AZICA.
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Sydney Carter
Julian of Norwich
Performer: Rani Arbo & daisy mayhem.- Wintersong.
- Signiature Sounds.
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James Whitbourn
The Living Thing
Performer: Commotio. Conductor: Matthew Berry.- Luminosity & Other Choral Works.
- Naxos.
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William Mathias
As truly as God is our Father
Performer: St Albans Cathedral and Abbey Church Choir, Usa, Tom Winpenny, Michael Papadopoulos.- Mathias: Choral Music.
- Naxos.
Readings
Title: A Personal PilgrimageÌý
Author: John HolmesÌý
Published by Christians Aware
Ìý
Interview with Mary Wellesley
Title: Introduction to 1901 Revelations of Divine LoveÌý
Author: Grace WarrackÌý
Published by Methuen
Ìý
Title: The Anchorite CellÌý
Author: Venetia Carse
Published by in Circle of Silence by Darts, Longman & Todd
Interview with Mary Wellesley
Ìý
Title: Revelations of Divine LoveÌý
Author: Julian of NorwichÌý
Broadcasts
- Sun 28 Jan 2018 06:05±«Óãtv Radio 4 FM
- Sun 28 Jan 2018 23:30±«Óãtv Radio 4
- Sun 5 Nov 2023 06:05±«Óãtv Radio 4