Monks in the middle ages ryan leahy

Medieval Monks

1. Monks in the Middle Ages By Ryan Leahy

2. Monasteries Many people liked to get away from the crowd and pray. They set up communities of men and women which were called monasteries and convents. The men were called monks and the women nuns.

3. Monasteries They followed strict rules, which had been made up by an Italian monk called St. Benedict. They had to pray regularly, fast and obey the abbot who was head of the monastery (or abbey, as it was sometimes called).

4. Monasteries Monasteries acted as inns and hospitals, and poor people often went there for help. Boys and sometimes girls were educated in monasteries.

5. A medieval monastery The church is where the monks prayed seven times a day. The dormitory is where the monks slept. The cloisters is where the monks walked and prayed The Chapter House is where the monks met to discuss the business of the monastery and elect the abbot. The infirmary where the sick were nursed.

6. A medieval monastery The library is where the monks studied or copied manuscripts. The quest house is where the monks gave food to poor people and travellers. The refectory is where the monks ate their meals.

7. A monastery

8. Becoming a monk When a boy joined a monastery he was called a novice. He had to learn the rules and see if the life suited him. If the abbot thought the novice would make a monk, he let him take solemn vows. These were promises of poverty (he must not own anything), chastity (he must not marry) and obedience (he must do what the abbot told him). Then his hair was cut in a tonsure. This was a bald patch in the middle of his head. It showed that a man was a monk.

9. A monk

10. Daily life in a medieval monastery 3am: Day begins. The monks get out of bed to sing matins (morning prayers) in the church. 4-6am: Return to bed for a brief sleep. 6am: Silent prayer. 7am: Breakfast, like all meals, was eaten in strict silence. 8-9.30am: Work in the fields or in the library. 10am: High Mass in the church. 11am-2pm: Work again

11. Daily life in a medieval monastery 2pm: Dinner was the main meal of the day. 2.30pm: Reading. 3-5pm: Work. 5pm: Vespers (evening prayers). 6pm: Supper. 8pm: Compline (night prayer) and retire to bed.

12. Types of monks The abbot was the head of the monastery and was elected by the monks. When he was away on business his place was taken by the prior. The almoner looked after the travellers who came to the monastery. The infirmarian looked after the sick. The librarian looked after the library.