Robert Llewelyn

Robert Charles Llewelyn, born in 1909, was an ordained priest in the Church of England and a dedicated educator. His career spanned various teaching and pastoral roles, including mathematics at Westminster School, where he taught notable figures like Peter Ustinov and Tony Benn. Llewelyn's life also included significant periods of service in India and the Bahamas.

His most enduring legacy lies in his extensive work on the 14th-century mystic Julian of Norwich. Llewelyn dedicated himself to making her spiritual insights accessible to a wider audience, editing her works and writing extensively about her theology. His efforts were recognized by The Times, which noted his role in introducing thousands to Julian's writings, and he received the Cross of St Augustine for his contributions to spirituality. He passed away in 2008.

Robert Llewelyn was profoundly influential in bringing the mystical writings of Julian of Norwich to a broader English-speaking readership. Described as a 'much-read authority' on her work, he dedicated significant effort to interpreting and popularizing her spiritual theology. His writings often sought to apply Julian's ideas to contemporary life, exploring themes such as the nature of God's love and the practice of prayer. Llewelyn's work aimed to make the contemplative traditions, particularly those of Julian, accessible and relevant for modern spiritual seekers. His role as chaplain at the shrine of Julian of Norwich from 1976 to 1990 further cemented his connection to her legacy, offering spiritual guidance and talks to visitors.

Llewelyn's early life and career were marked by a strong educational foundation and commitment to the Church of England. After studying mathematics at Cambridge, he taught the subject at Westminster School, a position he held for many years, even after his ordination as a priest. His clerical duties saw him serving in various capacities, including a period with the Society of St John the Evangelist and missionary work in India during World War II, where he established a school for children displaced by the conflict. He later held positions as a chaplain and headmaster in the Bahamas and India before returning to England and eventually dedicating his retirement to the spiritual work associated with Julian of Norwich.

“a much-read authority”

“introduced many thousands to her work”

“one of the outstanding spiritual teachers of our age”