An anchorite was a religious hermit who chose to live in total isolation, often in a tiny cell attached to a church, to devote their life to God. - Once they entered their cell, they were “walled in” (sometimes literally!) and considered spiritually dead to the world. - These cells, called anchorholds, often had a small window for food and another to view the church altar during services. - One of the most famous anchorites was Julian of Norwich, a 14th-century mystic who wrote the first known book in English by a woman, *Revelations of Divine Love*. - Fun (and slightly morbid) fact: Anchorites often had their last rites performed before entering the cell, as if they were already buried alive! - Despite their isolation, people often sought their advice, seeing them as holy figures with a deep connection to God. It’s a rather extreme lifestyle, but for some, it was the ultimate expression of faith and devotion.