Hermit

From ThreadsOfTime

Hermits (remete) are familiar figures throughout Europe. They are commonly found in churchyards, cells attached to churches, woods, marshes or even underneath bridges. Often the bridge-dwellers also take responsibility for the maintenance of their bridges. Hermits are frequently regarded as deeply spiritual men and even local priests turn to them for guidance and advice. Indeed, their advice is so highly thought of that many bishops and recent kings have hermits on their payrolls.

Anchoresses, female hermits, are common as well. In fact, they are more numerous than the males. They follow strict lives of poverty and seclusion and occasionally fulfill the same advisor role. At least, that’s the theory. In practice, many teach, work as scribes or even run businesses. A few even have servants.