Who is Julian of Norwich

Julian of Norwich was an English Anchoress from the fourteenth century located in the St. Julian Church, Norwich, England.  The only information we know about her is from her own writing, “A Revelation of Divine Love” also called “Showings”. 

Julian’s Showings, is believed to be the first book written in the English language by a woman.  She is recognized as a theologian for her views of the trinity, the nature of sin, the mystery of evil and the motherhood image of God and Christ.

Julian of Norwich was a medieval writer and anchorite who lived from approximately 1342 C. E to approximately 1416 C. E.  Julian was an anchoress at the church in Norwich at the Church of St. Julian to which her cell was attached.  Norwich was a large city with a number of churches and religious monasteries.  Julian was very likely trained in one of the convents since her writings indicate she was well educated.  We have no idea as to her real name, her marital status before becoming an anchorite, whether or not she had children or even if she was originally from Norwich. The town of Norwich was a larger urban city, second only to London.  During this time the plague was rampant so death surrounded everyone.  For the people of Norwich Julian’s words provide hope in a dark time.

As an Anchoress Julian took a vow of solitude.  The cell represented a wilderness experience of total contemplation on the glory of the Lord, The service to seal and anchorite into a cell was often done with a Bishop or high-level cleric.  The ceremony was well attended by those who belonged to the church and those who would provide for the needs of the anchorite, the patrons.  Once sealed in a cell they never again left until death. 

A cell or anchor hold usually had two windows.  The interior window provided access to the inside of the church permitting access to the hearing of the word and the celebration of the Eucharist.  The second window to the outside normally was covered with a black curtain containing a star or other emblem.  The exterior window served as the point of contact to the outside world for prayer and discernment for the people of a village.