Garden hermit

Representation of an ornamental hermit in Germany in the late 18th century

Garden hermits or ornamental hermits were people encouraged to live alone in purpose-built hermitages, follies, grottoes, or rockeries on the estates of wealthy landowners, primarily during the 18th century. Such hermits would be encouraged to remain permanently on site, where they could be fed, cared for, and consulted for advice, or viewed for entertainment.[1]

  1. ^ Campbell, Gordon (2013). The Hermit in the Garden: From Imperial Rome to Ornamental Gnome. Oxford University Press. pp. 3, 23, 62–69, 97, 124. ISBN 9780199696994.