What is an “anchorhold”?
In medieval times, the anchorhold was the residence of an anchoress – a person living a solitary life of prayer and contemplation.
In the photo above, the anchorhold is the smaller structure, the “cell”, attached to the larger church. The anchoress never left her cell. The exterior windows provided access to those who came to seek advice and guidance from the anchoress. The interior window faced the church’s altar, for silent contemplation and adoration.
The anchorhold was a place of sociable solitude, combining service-oriented connections to the outside world while maintaining faithful companionship with Christ in solitude.
Reflections from the Anchorhold 