Hermits were men or women who liked to live alone in places far from anywhere. Mountains and islands were popular places. A hermit lived in a small building called a 'cell' or a 'hermitage'. There would be a small church (British or Saxon) or chapel next door. A wall around the two formed an 'enclosure'. There was usually a well nearby. Hermits prayed a lot and ate simple food. This was often given to them by a local king. Though they might keep their own cow or some fish. Being a hermit was very popular amongst the British. The Saxons preferred to live in monasteries. Many places in Wales begin with the word 'Llan'. This means 'church enclosure'. The second word is usually the name of the hermit who lived there. For example: Llanberis in North Wales means 'The church enclosure of Peris'. The remains of some British hermitages and wells can still be seen today, like at Penmon on Anglesey. The churches were almost all rebuilt in medieval times. An original one survives at St. Clether in Cornwall. Activity Sheet Available.