The Julian Page

Earlier I mentioned that reaching out to scholars, writers and others who are involved in your area of interest can be satisfying and edifying at the same time.  If you reviewed some of the replies to my initial posts you will see that one such scholar, Julia Bolton Holloway, has been prolific in her research, and she's been gracious in helping me find sources and other material so I can truly understand the phenomenon of Julia of Norwich.  Julia led me to another wonderful and supremely kind resource I have mentioned earlier.  This is Sheila Upjohn.  In the last post I described a marvelous book written by Sheila, In Search of Julian of Norwich.  The book takes the reader to the streets of Norwich, the churches, the places Julian visited.  It also introduces us to the world that Julian inhabited, the rebellions, wars, and plagues that swept through England during Julia's lifetime.

I approached emailing Sheila tentatively.  After all, I am only an instructor pursuing an strong interest in how positive communication manifests itself through the centuries.  I am attracted also to the spirituality of Julian.  I live in the U.S. and she in Australia.  Plus, she has researched Julian and has even written books and has given lectures about her.  So, I didn't know how my overture would be received.  She could ignore me, or simply send a quick response suggesting she is busy, but she did none of those things.  Sheila responded to my query about information for my journey with the following email: 

     "Dear Carol

     Julia Bolton Holloway may have warned you that Julian of Norwich has a habit of taking hold of   people and making use of them.    And even from where I’m sitting 14,000 miles away in Australia I can see the gleam in your eye and know she has got you in her sights.  Here are some things you might like to know.

The very best place to stay is with Sister Pamela at All Hallows House next door to St Julian’s if she is able to put you up.  Your room may even look out over the churchyard and Julian’s cell, where there is a Eucharist most days.  If you want a modern hotel and a room with an en-suite the Nelson Hotel is your best bet, just across from the train station.  All Hallows is a bit further, but not too far if you have a wheelie suitcase.   On the way you will cross the river by the new Lady Julian footbridge.

The riverside area in Norwich near St Julian’s, which used to be built over by factories, is now being developed as a residential area – so St Julian’s may once again have a resident congregation.

The Julian Centre is next door to All Hallows House.  It has a library and bookshop.  We used to claim we had everything ever written about Julian, but titles are being published so thick and fast it is hard to keep up.  You can drop in for a coffee and a chat with the knowledgeable volunteers who run it.

Norwich Cathedral is a short walk from All Hallows and so is the Castle Museum.    And there are still lots of mediaeval churches.    The splendid market place dominated by one of the grandest St Peter Mancroft which has some wonderful mediaeval glass in the east window.    Next door is Norwich library, which has a copy of a Wycliffe bible that once belonged to the Boleyn family.   You might be able to arrange to see it. 

While you are in Norwich you should go to Walsingham.   You can get a bus from the bus station.  

Finally:  Norwich will be cold in March.  Pack your thermal underwear. And don’t be surprised if Beelzebub interrupts your travel plans.

 Best wishes for your own journey."

I am grateful for Sheila.  Here I will be entering another country, and I certainly don't know about Norwich, but doors have been opened.

Best!