Within a quiet residential area, Sydenham Hill Wood provides footpaths and a sense of serenity. However, most locals aren't aware of its extensive history.
With an extensive network of footpaths, it's a popular place to pass some time. However, most locals aren't aware of its extensive history. Samuel Matthews, known for many years as the 'Dulwich Hermit' was a native of South Wales born in 1733. He lived a frugal lifestyle in the woods and was subject to curiosity by the locals.
In 1772, Matthews moved to Dulwich with his beloved wife and daughter. He worked tirelessly as a gardener for the local gentry and lived happily. Several years later, his wife passed away. He became melancholy and quickly resolved to secluding himself from society.
He obtained rights from local landowners to form his hermitage, digging a cavity in the ground of a local forest. He lived in the hermitage for 23 years, at which time he continued to work as a gardener. He was well-regarded by locals and would entertain visitors on Sundays. They were always astonished by his civility, despite living in the wilderness. He would offer beer and porter to visitors as a sign of appreciation for how far they travelled to see him.
During his lifetime, he was often pestered by youths who would steal his provisions and throw stones at him. Despite this, he never abandoned his abode. On one occasion, he was followed to his cave by ruffians who stole his earnings and severely broke his arm.
Whilst recovering, he became disgusted with his home and moved back to Wales to live in his son’s house. A year and a half later, he felt a strange impulse to move back to Dulwich. Because his previous home had been destroyed, he once again obtained permission to construct a new hut. He made significant changes to his cave and dug a hole which just about had enough room to crawl. He used a rug as a door and lived there for the remaining portion of his life. Rumours had gone around that Matthews was wealthy and many were tempted to rob him. At Christmas his dead body was found by five local boys who would routinely visit him on the day. His pockets had been left unturned, making it clear that he had been robbed of all his money and possessions. Several people were accused of committing the murder, however, the assailant was never found.
His funeral took place on January 2, 1803, and he was interred at a local Chapel-ground. Samuel Matthews, otherwise known as the ‘Dulwich Hermit, was visited for his strange lifestyle but admired for his civility.
