Gone Medieval

The First English Autobiographer: Margery Kempe

Margery Kempe was an English Christian mystic, known for writing "The Book of Margery Kempe", a work considered by some to be the first autobiography in the English language. She's also thought to be the first case of schizophrenia. In honour of Mental Health Awareness week, Dr Cat Jarman is joined by Dr Alison Torn from Leeds Trinity University to explore Margery's complicated legacy and whether it's appropriate to view Kempe’s 15th century life through a 21st century understanding of mental health. For more Gone Medieval content, subscribe to our Medieval Monday newsletter <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/sign-up-to-history-hit/?utm_source=timelinenewsletter&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=Timeline+Podcast+Campaign" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here.</a> If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at <a href="https://access.historyhit.com/?utm_source=audio&amp;utm_medium=podcast&amp;utm_campaign=Podcast+Campaign&amp;utm_id=Podcast" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">History Hit</a> - subscribe today! To download, go to <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.historyhit&amp;hl=en_GB&amp;gl=US" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Android</a> or <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/history-hit/id1303668247" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a> store.

From long-lost Viking ships to kings buried in unexpected places; from murders and power politics, to myths, religion, the lives of ordinary people: Gone Medieval is History Hit’s podcast dedicated to the middle ages, in Europe and far beyond. Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at <a href="https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe</a>.