Medieval monks lived in monasteries where they prayed, copied manuscripts, and performed various jobs. Boys who joined became novices and could become full monks by taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Monks wore tunics and cowls and had tonsured hairstyles. Their daily routines involved prayer, work, and meals in specific places like the church, fields, and refectory. Monasteries provided education, charity, and preserved knowledge through the monks' work.

1. MEDIEVAL MONKS
By Isabel Seacy

2. A Medieval Monk
 Medieval Monks were similar to Early
Christian Ireland monks but also had
differences.
 They still copied manuscripts and prayed
however, they had different buildings in their
monasteries.
 These monks would have been members of
orders such as the Dominicans or the
Franciscans. Some of these orders still exist
today.

3. Becoming a monk
When a boy joined a monastery he was called
a novice.
If the Abbot thought he would be a good monk
he would let him take solemn vows....
These were promises of:
Poverty- he must not own anything
Chastity- he must not marry
Obedience- he must do what the Abbot told
him
His hair was also cut in a tonsure. This was a
bald patch in the middle of his head.

4. A monk’s tonsure

5. A monk’s clothing
The colour of their clothes varied according to
their order.....
 A tunic, tied around the waist with a cloth or
leather belt.
 Over the tunic was a scapula. This was a long
wide piece of woollen cloth worn over the
shoulders.
 A cowl (a hood) was attached to the scapula.
 Monks would also wear a chain with a cross
around their necks.

6. A monk’s clothes

7. Pyramid of Power
Pope
Bishop
Arch bishop
Arch deacon
Abbot
Prior
Dean
Monks

8. A Medieval Monastery
 The first type of monastery was established
by St. Benedict in 529 AD.
 Different orders of monks and nuns were
also established during this time such as the
Benedictines, Augustinians and Poor Clares.
 The monks lived in monasteries whereas the
nuns lived in convents.

9. Uses of a monastery
 A medieval monastery made many works of
charity by feeding the hungry and healing
the sick who were brought to them.
 A monastery provided education for boys
who wanted to become priests.
 A monastery copied manuscripts preserved
valuable books.
 It also kept records of anything eventful that
had happened in the past.

10. Monastery layout
There are many parts to a monastery such as:
 Church – where the monks prayed every day
 Chapter House – where they met to discuss
business or to elect a new Abbot
 Library – where monks studied
or copied manuscript.

11. Monastery layout 2
Cloisters – where monks walked and
prayed.
Guest house – where monks gave food
to poor people.
Infirmary – where the sick were
nursed.
Refectory – where the monks ate their
meals.
Dormitory – where the monks slept.

12. A Medieval monastery

13. A monks daily life
3am Day begins. The monks get out of bed to sing matins in the church
(morning prayers)
4-6am Return to bed for brief sleep
6am Silent prayer
7am Breakfast, eaten in silence like any other meal
8-9am Work in the fields or in the library
10am High mass in the church
11-2pm Work again
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

14. A Monk’s work
Each monk had his own special job:
The Abbot was the head of the monastery
& was elected by the monks
When he was away on business his place
was taken by the Prior
The Almoner looked after the people who
came to the monastery
The Infirmarian looked after the sick
The Librarian looked after the library.