Monument record 988/1/1 - Frodsham Anchorite Cell

An anchorite is recorded at Frodsham from 1275 (1). The cell was probably under the present chancel and may have been re-used as a charnel house following the death of the anchoress in 1279-80. The Church is grade I listed and is contained within the SMR register at reference number 988/1/0. The present structure has an opening which may have been the small window of the cell, which would have been curtained when in use. The Anchoress is mentioned in the Pipe Rolls from 1274-1280, when she is named as Wimark and is in receipt of 30s 4d per annum. Payment terminates with the statement made in the Accounts of King Edward for 1279-80 "Paid to the recluse of Frodsham as an alms of 1d a day, 1mark and not more because she died". Anchorite may have been Wimarc of Bakewell, a widow with land, who finding it distasteful to re-marry may have become a solitary religious (2).

<1> Clay R M, 1914, Hermits and Anchorites of England, /208-209 (Book). SCH1340.

<2> Various, Cheshire History, 8/30-51 Dodd J P 1981 (Journal/Periodical). SCH811.

<3> Harris, B.E. (ed), 1987, Victoria County History - A History of the County of Chester: Volume I, 3/127 Kettle A J 1980 (Book). SCH3556.