Margery Kempe
Medieval mystic and author of one of the first English autobiographies
Margery Kempe (c. 1373–c. 1438) was an English mystic, pilgrim, and author who created one of the earliest known autobiographies written in English. Born in King's Lynn, Norfolk, she experienced a spiritual awakening after a mental breakdown following childbirth and devoted herself to religious life, though she remained married. Her book, dictated to scribes since she was likely illiterate, recounts her pilgrimage to Jerusalem, Rome, and Santiago de Compostela, as well as her intense devotional practices and mystical visions. Kempe's account provides invaluable insight into medieval religious life, gender roles, and the experiences of ordinary people in the 15th century. Despite accusations of heresy and hysteria from her contemporaries, she was eventually vindicated by the Church. Her autobiography was lost for centuries until rediscovered in 1934, and she is now recognized as a pioneering figure in English literature and women's religious history.
Historical Figure
English
1373
1438
Thinking about the name
Margery
English origin
“A beloved medieval English diminutive of Margaret that became a standalone name in its own right, particularly in Middle English literature and folk tradition. Margery conveys a sense of approachability and charm while maintaining the pearl meaning of its origin, and was famously borne by Margery Kempe, a 14th-century English mystic and author.”