The Anchorite Cell
With the removal of the dense tree and shrub growth along the river and around St John's church. Views that have become hidden are now opened up. One such site, hidden for the past few years from passers by along the Groves has been what is probably one of the most curious buildings in Chester.
This Anchorite Cell or Hermitage stands perched upon a block of sandstone left from quarrying. Standing within the grounds of St John's church which stands overlooking the building, on top of the cliff. The Hermitage building itself dates from the 14th century. Although the traceried windows date from alterations made in the 19th century. The porch on the northern side of the building is a survival from St Martin's Church which stood to the west of the city centre, demolished in 1897.
It may have originated as a private chapel. In the 16th century it was used as a meeting house of the Company of Shoemaker's. It has seen service as a grain store and in the 1970's it was an architect's office before being converted into it's current use as a private residence.
There are records of Hermits living along this stretch of the Dee datting back to the 14th century. There is a legend however that suggests that one Hermit who lived here in the 11th century was in fact Harold Godwinson. It is alleged that rather than falling in battle, eyeless upon Senlac Hill, north of Hastings, in 1066. King Harold survived the Battle of Hastings to recouperate from his defeat and his wounds in Winchester. He sought support in Europe before spending time in the Holy lands to return to England and retreat. First along the Severn near Shewsbury and in his final years in Chester.
Here, it is said the hermit was visited by the Conqueror's heir King Henry 1st. The story is related by Gerald of Wales, it occurs in a Norse Saga and in other material written some 150 years afterwards.
Click on an image for a slideshow:
Link:
Tags: 
