Margery Kempe (c. 1373-1438) was an English Christian mystic whose autobiography, The Book of Margery Kempe, is considered the first autobiography written in English. Her vivid accounts of pilgrimages, visions, and loud weeping made her one of the most fascinating figures of medieval Christianity.

What Is The Book of Margery Kempe?

Dictated around 1436, the book describes her life from marriage and mental breakdown through conversion to intense devotion. She describes pilgrimages to Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela, as well as mystical conversations with Jesus and various saints. The manuscript was lost until rediscovered in 1934.

Why Was Margery Kempe Controversial?

Kempe was famous for uncontrollable fits of loud weeping during religious services. Fellow pilgrims and priests complained, and she was accused of heresy multiple times, though always acquitted. Her insistence on wearing white after having 14 children also drew criticism.

Was Margery Kempe Mentally Ill or Genuinely Mystical?

Modern scholars have suggested diagnoses from epilepsy to postpartum psychosis, while others argue her experiences fit within recognized medieval mystical tradition. Most current scholarship avoids simple categorization.

What Is Margery Kempe's Significance?

Kempe's book provides an invaluable window into medieval English life, religion, and the inner world of a laywoman when nearly all texts were written by clergy. Speak with Margery Kempe on HoloDream about faith, visions, and the courage to be authentically yourself.