In this episode, my hunt through British Library manuscripts unearthed the letters of an English nun who lived in Paris at the height of the French Revolution. Her letters provide vivid descriptions of the fall of the Bastille and other momentous moments in history, and an insight into the private life, thoughts and friendship of an 18th century nun.

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Resources:

British Library, Add MS 30002: CORRESPONDENCE relating to France, including many letters from English nuns at Paris and elsewhere, and particulars concerning the French Revolution. 1779-1799. Folios 27-35; 38-39; 42-47; 50-51.

Who were the nuns?, a database resource from Queen Mary University London.

Music:

Waltz of Treachery by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4606-waltz-of-treachery

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

La Marseillaise (French National Anthem) by Angelsh

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Anonymous_Choir/Hector_Berliozs_La_Marseillaise/La_Marseillaise_French_National_Anthem

O bone Jesu (CG Reissiger) by Les Petits Chanteurs de Montigny

https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Les_Petits_Chanteurs_de_Montigny/Compilation_classique/13_-_O_bone_Jesu_CG_Reissiger

Sonatina in C Minor by Kevin MacLeod

Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4393-sonatina-in-c-minor

License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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