George Borrow A Sermon Preached in Norwich Cathedral on July 6, 1913

The dean of Norwich Cathedral delivered a thoughtful sermon in July 1913, celebrating the life of a beloved writer who roamed the British countryside and beyond. He highlighted the man's deep affection for the cathedral, his long service with the Bible Society, and his literary talent, drawing a line between the Church's mission and the power of literature to interpret the world. In doing so, he presented the author as a keen interpreter of human experience, whose work could illuminate both spiritual and everyday life.

The sermon then turned to the writer's fascination with two timeless biblical archetypes—the restless wanderer and the settled craftsman—using them to explore the tension between impulse and foresight. It recounts his vivid encounters with Romani people, where he examined their strict moral codes and questioned prevailing prejudices. By weaving these observations together, the dean suggested that the writer offered a balanced ideal that could still inspire the nation today.