Something Understood

Original version

BBC Radio 4 FM

BBC Radio 4 is a radio channel that started transmitting on the 30th September 1967. It replaced BBC Home Service.

BBC Radio 4

Radio 4

Radio 4 (FM)

Religion & Ethics

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life

Ethical and religious discussion that examines some of the larger questions of life, taking a spiritual theme and exploring it through music, prose and poetry

BBC Radio 4 LW

Something Understood: Julian of Norwich

Embracing the Classical

Julian of Norwich

BBC Radio 4 - Something Understood, Julian of Norwich

Mark Tully investigates the resurgence of interest in Mother 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 BBC Radio 4.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Something Understood

Julian of Norwich

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 FM

About BBC Radio 4