Gone Medieval

Margery Kempe: Medieval Mysticism or Psychosis?

Listen on

Episode notes

Margery Kempe: mystic, autobiographer…schizophrenic?


In honour of Mental Health Awareness week, Dr Cat Jarman is joined by Dr Alison Torn from Leeds Trinity University to explore the complicated legacy of a woman who is credited as both the first English autobiographer, and case of schizophrenia.


However, how appropriate is it to view Kempe’s life through a 21st century understanding of mental health? Can we remove the cultural frameworks of 15 century England and confidently diagnose a psychosis? 


For more Gone Medieval content, subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter here.


If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store.



See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.