A Study Day on The Cloud of Unknowing

The 14th century has been called England’s ‘great mystical period’, a century that brought forth Richard Rolle, Walter Hilton and Julian of Norwich. But it is the anonymous text The Cloud of Unknowing, which holds a special place in many people’s hearts.

The Cloud is a practical guide to the contemplative life. Written by an English monk or pastor, it is a scholarly work of spiritual direction, but one which cuts through theological complexities with warmth, humour and common sense.

…You think, perhaps, that you are very far from God because this cloud of unknowing is between you and your God: but really, properly understood, you are much further from Him when you have no cloud of forgetting between you and all creation.

Led by Julie Parker, the ‘in-person’ day, taking place at Fintry itself, is a follow-up to the previous Quiet Day on 8th January 2025, but new participants are welcome to enrol.

We will be using excerpts from the Penguin translation of The Cloud of Unknowing, which will be supplied.

Arrive for coffee at 9.45 am to start at 10.00. All refreshments provided.

Fee: £20.00 (NB please bring a packed lunch)

Fintry, Church Lane, Brook, Godalming, Surrey GU8 5UQ

Directions: Fintry is located in the village of Brook, off the A3/A286, south of Godalming. Driving south on the A286 from Milford to Haslemere, take the lane opposite ‘The Dog and Pheasant’ public house. Just past the cricket ground, turn left into Church Lane. Fintry is 500 yards along on the right.

Book online below, or email teaching@thefintrytrust.org.uk

Image: The Cloud 1912, Alvin Langdon Coburn © The Universal Order