Quick, hide the deer.

Godric of Finchale was a hermit. Though definitely reclusive his reasons were more holy than selfish. Born 1065 died in 1170. He was a saint to some though not officially canonized. He was born of humble parents and initially made his way in life at very ordinary jobs. He mainly sold things and probably was pretty good at it as he made his way round Europe and the Mediterranean and Northen Africa.

Along the way (around 1100AD) he had a pretty intense moment with the spirit of Saint Cuthbert and found the path to God. Thereafter he devoted himself to religious service.

Now he had been at sea for many, many years and its not surprising he wanted to be alone when he got back to England. He wasn't ready just yet to go all the way for solo living so he lived with Aelric the hermit,(not sute what that did for the hermit status but who's keeping score). Not much on this guy except he was a stone mason and probably also a designer or architect.

Aelric lived just a few more years and Godfric had his wish. But the sea beckoned again and off he went for one more tour of the Holy Land before settling back again in England at Finchale, in the shadow of Durham Cathedral.

That was it for the rest of his life. He rarely saw visitors and if he did they were approved by the Bishop of Durham. He became known in those parts as an animal lover and would be seen if at all caring for local animals.