A boy who wanted to become a monk would join a monastery as a novice around the age of 15 (though much younger children could be sent). There he was taught to live his life according to the Rule of St Benedict, the strict set of rules that monks had to live by. He learned to read and write in Latin (the language of the Church) and would study church teachings and history.
After a number of years, if the abbot decided that he was suited to become a monk, he swore his solemn vows of poverty (he could not own anything), chastity (he could not get married) and obedience (he must do what the abbot told him). The crown of his head was then shaved – this was called a tonsure and symbolised the crown of thorns worn by Jesus during the crucifi xion. He would also receive his habit, or monks’ garments. He was now a member of a monastic order.
There were various monastic orders that monks could join: two major orders were the Benedictines and the Cistercians.
Friars
Some monks preferred to live amongst the people so that they could better help them. These monks, called friars, travelled around the countryside or set up friaries in towns. They spent their time tending to the poor and the sick. They saw this as following the example of Jesus’ life as told in the Bible. Friar orders such as the Franciscans, the Augustinians and the Dominicans became very popular from about 1200 onwards.
CHECKPOINT! 1. Why did people join monasteries and convents?
2. Describe the role of the following monks in a monastery: abbot; sacristan; infi rmarian; almoner; hosteller.
3. Explain the following parts of a monastery: cloisters; dormitory; scriptorium; refectory. 4. Why were monasteries so important in medieval life? 5. Explain the following terms: tonsure; the rule of St Benedict; habit. 6. What was the difference between friars and monks?
. I can talk about medieval friars, monks and monasteries. TIME TO GO BACK I CAN MOVE FORWARD
Go to page 38 of your Sources and Skills Book for an activity on the life of a monk.
