Evelyn Underhill was a major contributor to the retrieval of mysticism in the 20th century Anglophone world and beyond, and is still today drawn on for her expertise on a range of mystical writers. This webinar will introduce the life and writing of Underhill. Within the context of this series, this webinar will focus on Underhill’s treatment of the English mystics, including Richard Rolle, Margery Kempe, and the Cloud of Unknowing. A focus will also be given to Underhill’s network of other scholars of mysticism, including Hope Emily Allen.

About the tutor

Jane Shaw is Professor of the History of Religion at the University of Oxford where, until recently, she was Principal of Harris Manchester College. As of December 2025, Jane is provost of Gresham College in London. She is a historian of modern spirituality, the church and culture and has written extensively on a variety of mystical writers in that period, including Evelyn Underhill. She is the author of several books, including Pioneers of Modern Spirituality (2018), and Octavia: Daughter of God (2011). She is currently writing a book on the retrieval of mysticism in the 20th-century Anglo-American context.

About the English Mystics Series

The Christian mystical tradition is vibrant and international. It brings a wide range of voices to our attention and shares insights about God (and our relationship with God) from their positions – often on the margins. Many of the key voices and texts from this tradition come from relatively far away – Francis of Assisi and his followers from Italy, Meister Eckhart from Germany, or Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross from Spain. But England also has a vibrant and rich mystical tradition. Many scholars have identified five “English mystics” all from the 14th century. In this series we will consider three of these figures and then two later mystics from England.

Each session will consist of an introductory lecture by an expert on the English mystic in question. After a short break we will then have a Q&A session with the speaker.

This series is jointly organised by Sarum College and the Church Times, and a list of discounted books from Church House Bookshop will be made available relevant to each webinar. The webinars will be recorded and made available to view after the live webinar for 30 days.

Schedule and speakers

26th January — Margery Kempe with Hetta Howes

23rd February — Richard Rolle with Tim Glover

30th March — The Cloud of Unknowing with Becky Field

27th April — William Blake with Mark Vernon

25th May — Evelyn Underhill with Jane Shaw