In the city of Leeds and its surroundings, many fascinating individuals lived, including nuns. Nuns are ordinary people who belong to specific religious communities. They take vows and lead an ascetic lifestyle, fully renouncing worldly life and dedicating themselves entirely to serving God. Today, we will discuss the English nun Joan of Leeds, also known as Johanna de Ledes. She lived in the early 14th century but could not endure the ascetic life and fled her monastery. Read more about this intriguing story on leedska.com
What Do We Know About the Nun?
Nun Joan of Leeds lived a secluded life at St. Clement’s Monastery in York. However, in 1318, she grew weary of monastic life. To escape, Joan pretended to be gravely ill and staged her own death. She even went as far as creating a dummy resembling her body. With the help of some inside the monastery, the dummy was buried in her place in a consecrated grave.
The exact reasons for Joan’s escape from the monastery remain unclear, but religious authorities claimed that Johanna de Ledes had succumbed to “the path of carnal lust.” There is some truth to this assertion, as Joan was later found 48 kilometers away from the monastery, living with a man—a situation entirely unacceptable for a nun. A scandal erupted, and Joan was ordered to return to the monastery.
Joan of Leeds’ story resurfaced in 2019 thanks to a research project by the Borthwick Institute of the University of York. While studying the Register of the Archbishops of York, researchers discovered notes from a scribe.
This story astonished scholars because the letters contained numerous details. That same year, it was announced that the tale of the runaway nun from Leeds would be featured at the New Diorama Theatre in London. Additionally, writer Candace Robb incorporated Joan’s story into her works.
Not the Only Escape from the Monastery
Whether Joan ever returned to her monastery remains uncertain. The bishop demanded her return but took no concrete measures to ensure it.
It’s worth noting that Joan was not the first runaway nun from St. Clement’s Monastery in York. In 1301, a nun named Cecilia encountered three horsemen. She disguised herself in ordinary clothing and escaped with the men, living with one of them for three years.
Another nun, Joan de Saxton, was punished by the archbishop, though her transgression remains unknown. Some historians suggest it was also due to an escape. The high number of nun escapes from the monastery can be attributed to the fact that girls entered religious life at the age of 12. At such a young age, they often faced conflicting emotions, thoughts, and feelings.
Monastic Life: A Life Dedicated to God
Monastic life includes monks and nuns who renounce all aspects of secular life, such as leisure, work, travel, and family, to live in monasteries and convents. They dedicate their lives to God through prayer, penance, and serving others. Monks and nuns do not focus on personal well-being but devote themselves to caring for schools, orphanages, and nursing homes.
Nuns typically wear black habits and adopt new names, signifying their renunciation of worldly ties and their complete devotion to God. Becoming a nun requires humility, obedience, and a willingness to embrace an entirely ascetic life. However, readiness to take such vows is determined through a private conversation with a priest.
This has been an enlightening story. I hope you enjoyed learning more about Joan of Leeds.