Victorians loved their gardens, but some took it to a new level—by hiring their own garden hermits! Wealthy landowners in the 18th and 19th centuries paid people to live as hermits on their estates, adding mystery and a touch of philosophical depth to their landscapes.

Why Hire a Hermit?
With the rise of the Romantic movement, nature, solitude, and introspection became fashionable. A hermit living in a rustic grotto was the perfect addition to a garden, adding a sense of wisdom and melancholy that fit the era's aesthetic.

The Life of a Garden Hermit
Garden hermits were expected to live in isolation, often in small, untidy cabins, with no grooming allowed. They symbolized reflection and humility, embodying the Victorian love of nature’s peaceful solitude.

Notable Hermit Hires
One famous example is Charles Hamilton, who hired a hermit for his Painshill Park estate in 1737. The hermit was supposed to stay for seven years, but lasted only three weeks before sneaking into town for a drink! William Beckford also employed a hermit to add to the atmosphere at his gothic estate, Fonthill Abbey.

A Fading Trend
While garden hermits were once in vogue, the trend faded as it became more eccentric than philosophical. But the quirky practice remains a fun reminder of the Victorians’ unique relationship with nature.