Julian of Norwich

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 BBC Radio 4.