Samuel Matthews (hermit) facts for kids

Samuel Matthews (died 1802) was an interesting person from the 1700s. He was known as the Dulwich Hermit because he chose to live alone in a cave near Dulwich, a place in London. He became famous because of a mystery surrounding his death in 1802.

This picture shows Samuel Matthews in 1803. It's based on a drawing made when he was alive.

The Dulwich Hermit's Story

Early Life and Becoming a Hermit

Samuel Matthews was born in south Wales around 1733. He moved to Dulwich in 1772 and worked as a gardener. He lived a happy life with his wife and four children.

Around 1775, his wife passed away. Samuel became very sad after this. He decided to live away from other people. He asked Dulwich College if he could dig a cave in Dulwich Wood. They agreed, and he built a small hut over his cave.

Life in the Woods

Samuel lived in his cave for 23 years. Local people often visited him. They called him the Wild Man of the Wood. Visitors described him as a quiet and friendly person. They also said he was quite smart. This was surprising because his home was simple and messy.

Sometimes, mischievous boys would bother him. They would steal his food or throw stones. Around 1798, some boys attacked him. They broke his arm and stole some money.

A New Beginning and a Sad End

After the attack, Samuel was very upset with his home. He left Dulwich and stayed with his son in Wales for about a year and a half.

Once he felt better, he wanted to return to Dulwich. He got permission again to build a new hut and cave. His old one had been destroyed.

In December 1802, a group of five boys visited Samuel. They always visited him around Christmas time. This time, they found Samuel's body near his cave. He had been badly hurt.

A local newspaper reported that he was covered with plants. It seemed someone had used a long branch to pull him from his cave.

Samuel had been seen the night before by a butcher. He had paid off a small debt. People suspected some local travelers, but no one was ever found guilty. The jury decided it was a "wilful murder" by unknown people. The mystery of who hurt Samuel Matthews was never solved.