Victorians loved their gardens, but some took things to a whole new level of eccentricity by hiring their very own garden hermits! Yes, you read that right—wealthy landowners in the 18th and early 19th centuries would pay people to live as hermits on their estates, creating a touch of mystery and philosophical depth to their otherwise pristine landscapes.

Why Hire a Hermit?

It all started with the rise of the Romantic movement, which celebrated nature, solitude, and introspection. To make their gardens appear more picturesque and spiritually inspiring, wealthy estate owners decided that a hermit would complete the look. A mysterious, brooding figure living in a rustic hermitage (a small, secluded dwelling) added an air of wisdom and melancholy to the property, which was exactly what was fashionable at the time.

The Life of a Garden Hermit

The job of a garden hermit was as odd as it sounds. They were expected to live in isolation, often in a grotto or small cabin, and maintain a wild, unkempt appearance—no cutting hair or nails allowed! Some were asked to live without any interaction with the outside world for years at a time, offering a living symbol of contemplation. Their presence wasn’t just decorative; they represented a life of reflection and humility, which appealed to the Victorian love for nature and solitude.

Notable People Who Hired Hermits

One of the most famous examples of a garden hermit comes from Charles Hamilton, a wealthy landowner who owned Painshill Park in Surrey, England. In 1737, Hamilton advertised for a hermit to live in a specially built hermit’s grotto on his estate. The hermit was supposed to stay for seven years, without leaving the grounds or talking to anyone. Unfortunately, the hired hermit didn’t last long—he was fired after just three weeks for sneaking into town for a drink!

Other notable figures also jumped on the trend, including William Beckford, the wealthy author and art collector. Beckford was known for his lavish lifestyle and had his own garden hermit to enhance the atmosphere of his gothic estate, Fonthill Abbey.

A Trend That Fizzled Out

Although garden hermits were briefly all the rage, the trend didn’t last forever. As society evolved, the idea of hiring someone to live a life of solitude in your garden started to seem less philosophical and more... well, eccentric. Eventually, the practice faded, but the stories of these peculiar hires live on as a reminder of the Victorians’ quirky relationship with nature.