Come and explore Julian of Norwich, medieval English writer and mystic, who lived here at St Julian’s Church in the heart of Norwich 650 years ago.
In May 1373, a young woman received a series of 16 visions as she lay on her deathbed. After an unexpected recovery, she wrote down her account of these visions and in so doing became the first woman to write a book in English. Her name was Julian and today her book Revelations of Divine Love is known and respected around the world as a spiritual classic and masterpiece of English prose.
Today, visitors come from around the world on pilgrimage to St Julian’s Church to visit the reconstructed Julian cell and experience the peace and stillness of the Shrine.
The Julian Shrine includes St Julian’s Church, which is open every day of the year to visitors, inside which is the chapel built on the site of Julian’s cell. Next to St Julian’s is the Julian Centre, a refurbished visitor information centre for anyone wanting to discover more about Julian and her history and context. The visitor centre includes a well-stocked book and gift shop, and tea and coffee is available by donation.
Also part of the Shrine is a secret churchyard garden, a green oasis in the city, and All Hallows Guesthouse offering environmentally friendly retreats and overnight stays.
Group visits to the Julian Shrine can be booked through the website, and include a guided tour and light refreshments. For individual visitors there is no need to book.
There is no entry fee to visit the Shrine, but donations for the upkeep of the buildings are gratefully received.
