Revelations of Divine Love
Recorded by Julian,
Anchoress at Norwich
This is a 1901 edition
of the 1373 A.D. manuscript
from the British Museum
Courtesy of Wheaton College.

 

The map above shows Norwich as it was in 1585. Although nearly 150 years after Julian, much has not changed since her time. By this time most of the monastic sites were being destroyed, but there are still some here. The city walls were still in place at this time, but today only a few ruins remain. If you click on the map you can see a larger map indicating the locations of the castle, the cathedral and Saint Julian's Church, all of which still stand. Although there are many buildings missing from this map, today there are very many still standing. Click on any of the photos below for a larger pitcure. Use the back button on your browser to return to this page.

The Norwich Castle Julian lived her whole life in Norwich, England. Norwich is a fascinating and authentic "Old English" town that dates back to the early 10th century. There is reason to believe Norwich may have held importance as early as 869 based on evidence of early Danish attacks. Although the present Castle was built around 1160 it was in existence as early as 1075, shortly after William's victory over Godwinson.

The Norwich Cathedral Begun in 1096 by Norman Bishop Herbert de Losinga, the Norwich Cathedral took over two hundred years to complete. By 1101 it was finished enough to be consecrated and music has been sung in the choir everyday with few interruptions ever since. Inside the cathedral are two stained glass depictions of Dame Julian.

Window in Our Lady of Pity Chapel Just east of the south transept of the cathedral is the Our Lady of Pity Chapel. The stained glass in this chapel depicts various Benedictine Saints. (The cloisters of the cathedral housed Benedictine monks and are the largest in England) In the lower right corner is a depiction of Dame Julian of Norwich.

Window in Our Lady of Pity Chapel (detail) A closer look at Julian's window. Julian is shown looking at the face of Christ. Directly behind her you can see the window from which she gave counsel. To her right you see a depiction of Saint Julian's Church which is only a few blocks away in Conesford.

Window in St. Saviour's Chapel Also in the Cathedral is another stained glass depiction of Juliana of Norwich. It is located at the East end of the cathedral in the St. Saviour's Chapel. Here Julian can be seen with her fabled house cat. There's no record she actually had a cat, but it is fair to reason an anchoress may have had a cat around to take care of rodent problems.

Saint Julian's Alley Here you can see All Hallows Hall and The Julian Center. Down the road to the left is Saint Julian's Church. The Julian Center is a repository of books and manuscripts pertaining to Julian of Norwich and related studies. A group of sisters live in All Hallows House where rooms can be rented for spiritual retreats.

Entrance to Saint Julian's Church Saint Julian's Church is among one of the oldest buildings in Norwich. Its round tower (not pictured) is classic Saxon architecture peculiar to East Anglia and most likely predates the Conquest. Unfortunately it was reduced in size when it was hit by a bomb during the 1942 blitz.

Plaque Near the North Entrance The plaque reads: Dame Julian of Norwich Mystic, became an anchoress living in a cell attached to the south wall of this church soon after 1373, and here she wrote "Revelations of Divine Love". Born 1343

Interior of Saint Julian's Church Here is the nave of Saint Julian's Church. Just to the right of the altar is the window where Dame Julian could view the Sacrament from here anchor hold. Saint Julian's is still an active parish in the Anglican communion.

Saint Julian's Anchor Hold I had the pleasure of having this place all to myself the day I visited. In this room dwelt Julian. Although the room has been reconstructed it is still in the same space. The original floor was approximately level with the present shrine's surface which is to the left of the altar. This would have given Julian access to the window above the shrine.

The Window Above the Shrine Here is the window in which Julian was able to see the altar of the church. Now it is a stained glass depiction of Julian gazing on the face of Christ with her famous phrase, "All shall be well" taken from her Revelations of Divine Love.

Exterior of Julian's Cell Here on the south wall is the exterior of Julian's anchor hold. In her day the main road, Southgate, passed near this wall and her window would have been a smaller one where the four stained glass ones are now. Today a beautiful garden surrounds this side of the church and is a great place for contemplative reflection.

Cathédrale Saint-Julien du Mans Here in Le Mans France is the cathedral of Saint Julian, first bishop of Le Mans. The 3rd century bishop in which Saint Julian's Church in Norwich is named. His feast day is January 27th, the same as John Chysostom's, who was the original patron saint of the Saint Julian's Church in Douglasville, Georgia.