Anchorhold
Julian of Norwich's cell was was destroyed during a World War II air raid. The original walls of the adjoining church survived, and the cell was rebuilt. |
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
An anchorhold is a dwelling used by a type of religious recluse known as an anchorite (male) or anchoress (female) who - unlike hermits - lived in cells that were associated with established churches. Some anchorholds were built directly onto religious buildings, creating a connection between the recluse (who could be permanently enclosed in the cell) and the physical structure of the church, monastery, convent or other religious structure.
By agreeing to take up permanent residence in the anchorhold - typically by being walled in - the anchorites and anchoresses were considered dead to the earthly world. Leaving the cell was not an option, and the consequences for attempting to escape could be extremely severe, ranging from eternal damnation to death by burning.
[edit] History
The earliest anchorholds were recorded in the 3rd century in the Mediterranean. Anchorholds later appeared across Northern Europe during the medieval period. Early structures were frequently made from timber as simple lean-to constructions, but later they were built from stone.
Regardless of the materials used, anchorholds were extremely small spaces that may have included as many as three windows. One window allowed meals to be delivered to the cell’s occupant. Another shuttered window (called a "hagioscope" or "squint") allowed occupants to observe church services from their cell. A third window allowed light to come into the cell, but would be covered to prevent people from seeing in - and the occupant from seeing out. However, this small window would not prevent members of the community (or religious pilgrims) from seeking advice from the anchorites or anchoresses.
[edit] Anchorholds in England
Many anchorholds were built in England. At the height of their popularity, more than 600 anchorholds existed in England between 1100 and 1539.
There were several noteworthy English anchorites and anchoresses, including Julian of Norwich. Julian was one of the first women to write a book in English. She wrote it in the 1370s while living as an anchoress in a small room attached to St Julian’s Church.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
IHBC Membership Journal Context - Latest Issue on 'Hadrian's Wall' Published
The issue includes takes on the wall 'end-to-end' including 'the man who saved it'.
Heritage Building Retrofit Toolkit developed by City of London and Purcell
The toolkit is designed to provide clear and actionable guidance for owners, occupiers and caretakers of historic and listed buildings.
70 countries sign Declaration de Chaillot at Buildings & Climate Global Forum
The declaration is a foundational document enabling progress towards a ‘rapid, fair, and effective transition of the buildings sector’
Bookings open for IHBC Annual School 12-15 June 2024
Theme: Place and Building Care - Finance, Policy and People in Conservation Practice
Rare Sliding Canal Bridge in the UK gets a Major Update
A moveable rail bridge over the Stainforth and Keadby Canal in the Midlands in England has been completely overhauled.
'Restoration and Renewal: Developing the strategic case' Published
The House of Commons Library has published the research briefing, outlining the different options for the Palace of Westminster.
Brum’s Broad Street skyscraper plans approved with unusual rule for residents
A report by a council officer says that the development would provide for a mix of accommodation in a ‘high quality, secure environment...
English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023
Initial findings from the English Housing Survey 2022 to 2023 have been published.
Audit Wales research report: Sustainable development?
A new report from Audit Wales examines how Welsh Councils are supporting repurposing and regeneration of vacant properties and brownfield sites.
New Guidance Launched on ‘Understanding Special Historic Interest in Listing’
Historic England (HE) has published this guidance to help people better understand special historic interest, one of the two main criteria used to decide whether a building can be listed or not.