The Anchorhold
'To be human now is the reason we follow the star....'
W H Auden
My name is Sr Rachel.
Part of being human is that innate but almost indefinable sense of experiencing something which is both other and beyond ourselves.
After qualifying in medicine, exploring this sense took me to live within a religious community for 23 years, and more recently to live as a solitary religious.
The pattern of life that I lead is a modern day interpretation of that of the Anchorite. The Anchorhold was the term used for the dwelling of an anchorite.
I live under life vows, according to a Rule of Life and at present I am accountable to the Bishop of Peterborough for maintaining the life I have professed.
Although I spend time in silence and solitude, I also generate income by working in the areas of spiritual direction, leading retreats and quiet days and spirituality training.
For more information on these, please see the pages on 'Work'.
DIARY 2020
Holy Listening Course
continues at Launde Abbey
I am an organist and play the harp. I am also passionate about enabling others to find their voice.
I am curently exploring iconography as part pof my spiritual discipline.
To find out more about my lifestyle, please explore my other pages.
To view and/or download an information leaflet, click here.
NEW...
Quiet Day for Eastertide 2020
I am running quiet days and teaching days open to all. If you would like to be a part of this, please follow the link(s) below for full information.
17th April and running again on 24th April 2020
A quiet day for Eastertide
This day will be held on zoom.
For more information please
I am currently the Bishop's adviser for spirituality for the Diocee of Peterborough.
In 2019 I received the Dunstan Award for the renewal of prayer and religious life.