Just like pagan deities, saints were patrons of specific trades, age groups, cures for illnesses, genders, nations, regions, farming processes and animals. Some were clearly overworked. St Clement was patron of blacksmiths, anchor-makers, iron-workers and carpenters. St Blaise cared for woolcombers, wax-chandlers, wild animals and (appropriately for somebody with a feast day in early February) sore throats. Like pagan deities, also, natural places such as wells and trees were sacred to saints, so that those seeking their help did not need to enter a church if they did not wish it.