"god forbid that you should say that I am a teacher"

An exploration of Julian of Norwich’s writing in relation to the context and culture of late-medieval Norfolk and England

This seminar will explore what makes it possible for Julian to become an author in late 14th-century Norwich.  How does she negotiate the pitfalls of being a woman writing a devotional text in this period? Her approach to her subject feels very unlike any of her contemporaries, but we will discuss how she fits in to the tradition of English mystical writing. We’ll examine some of her sources, in particular her use of Boethius’ masterwork, “On the Consolation of Philosophy”, a work which is central to medieval religious thinking and which underpins her core concepts. We’ll also look at the ways in which she parallels contemporary authors such as William Langland and the author of the religious allegory, “Pearl”.

Certificate in Christian Studies:
In-depth option in subject area 3, Church history

Tutor: Keith Carlton
Date: Saturday 4 May 2024, 10am-12.30pm, in Norwich Cathedral Library
Cost: £10


To book please contact the NCCL Administration Team, NCCL@cathedral.org.uk, 01603 218443. PLEASE NOTE Cheques should be made payable to NORWICH CATHEDRAL

Whilst we strive to accommodate everyone this is not always physically possible, so we reserve the right to turn away those who have not booked in advance. If we are able to accommodate those who have not booked in advance, we reserve the right to make an additional charge, over the basic course fee.

Boethius