In the late twelfth century groups of women began to develop a new way of living – not within a marriage or nunnery, but within communities that became known as beguinages. Within their walls women could work and trade and have possessions. They were religious communities but their members did not make vows and in time they were to incur the wrath of the Pope and often endure terrible persecution. Yet many flourished, particularly in Belgium and the Netherlands. A new novel by Karen Maitland, “The Owl Killers”, imagines a beguinage in England. Karen talks to Jane about the lives of the beguines, with Pascal Majerus from Queen Mary University.
“The Owl Killers” by Karen Maitland is published by Michael Joseph, ISBN 978-0-718-15320-5
English convents
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