English Monastic Life

Gasquet states that his primary purpose is to describe, in a clear and accessible manner, the general character of life within an English medieval monastery rather than to reconstruct one particular institution. Although customs differed according to religious order, locality, historical period, and practical circumstances, the author identifies substantial agreement in the organization of monastic buildings, daily schedules, communal duties, administrative offices, and religious observances. The study proceeds from the spiritual foundations of the monastic vocation to the physical and institutional structure of the monastery. It explains the functions of the church, cloister, chapter house, refectory, dormitory, infirmary, guesthouse, and other facilities; the authority of monastic superiors; and the specialized duties required to sustain communal life. The later sections broaden the discussion to women’s communities, social and economic relations, lay employees, and the distinctive history and practices of the various religious orders active in medieval England.