Anchorites

The Anchorite (1881) by Teodor Axentowicz

Anchorites were a subsect of Christian monasticism that emerged sometime in 11th century England. Closely associated with hermits, anchorites believed that seclusion from secular society brought them closer to the divine. anchorites are distinguished from hermits by their entombment within an anchorhold, a type of cell most often attached to a local church. The contents of an anchorhold largely depended on the affluence of the attached church, ranging from ascetic prison-like cells to multi-roomed structures with attached gardens. Anchorholds were allotted 3 windows. One would face the church altar, allowing an anchorite to hear mass, receive the eucharist, and commune with guests seeking their wisdom. A second allowed servants to tend to the occupant's physical needs, and a third, (veiled with cloth) would face the street to allow in light. 

A window in the anchorhold of St Nicholas, Compton. It faces the church altar, and it is believed that that is the original wooden window sill worn down from use.

    Anchorite theology frames their incarceration as a kind of death both thematic and literal. The tradition seems to be a method of killing the body whilst keeping the soul alive, as shown in the traditional reading of the Office of the Dead at the time of internment. Anchorites were also considered to be living saints by some, further muddying the line between life and death. In the literal sense many anchorites were not allowed to leave their cells until after death. Most considered the act of leaving the anchorhold to be dereliction of their divine duty, and as such avoided even the thought. There are even accounts of anchorites choosing to stay behind during attacks and fires and being left to a grisly fate.

Anchorites were held in high regard in their time, answering to none other than bishops within the church. Anchorites were also known for their wisdom, enticing people from miles around to seek their advice. It is also notable that the gender ratio of anchorites is notably skewed towards women, rating 4:1 at the tradition's peak. This makes anchoritism an interesting acknowledgement of and simultaneous critique of medieval anti-feminism. The ritual often focused heavily on eve's original sin, but unlike other examples of the concept anchoritic authors focus on the overcoming of one's natural shortcomings as opposed to punishment. It has been made a clear distinction that the vow of internment is not a punishment, but an active pursuit of solitude that many consider a reward.