A BOOK of visions recorded in the 14th Century – said to the first known book written in the English language by a woman – are to be revived in a North-East composed concert of song, music and our medieval and now native tongue.

The concert A Revelation of Love was composed by Jane Ford-Farrand, of Staindrop, a well-known classic composer and singing tutor.

It is based on the writings of the mystic Julian of Norwich and her visions when in May 1373 she lay in a coma after receiving the last rites.

She recovered to record her visions and now, 644 years later, the 21st Century has breathed new life into her book A Revelation of Divine Love.

Jane is joined in the concert by the equally well-known regional guitarist/singer Andy Yeadon.

Appropriately it is being held in the mid-13th century St Mary’s Church, Wycliffe near Barnard Castle on Sunday, March 5, at 4pm.

The church, on the banks of the River Tees, has remarkable stained-glass windows that date back to the 13th and 14th centuries. The tiny community recently raised £40,000 towards the cost of restoration of this priceless glass.

Jane said: “This will tell Julian of Norwich’s story using her words in the original Middle English plus a variety of music genres. Short passages will be read from the book plus 17 short musical extracts.

“This will not be a ‘religious event’ – it will tell the story in a way that will appeal to all lovers of music and the development of the English language.”

Julian of Norwich’s writings would have been regarded at the time as heretical because she “learned” from those visions that there was no Hell. She is still universally remembered to this day not least for the words “but all shall be well, and all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.”

Tickets are £10 and the audience will be limited to 50 to ensure rapport/togetherness in this small historic venue. For more information, contact Jane on 07707 847289 or 01833 660028; or Keith Miller on 07778 318503 or 01833 627540.