The Monastic Day

   

   

   

There was a Benedictine monastery beside Rochester Cathedral from Norman times until it was closed by Henry VIII at the time of The Dissolution of the Monasteries (1540 in the case of Rochester). The Benedictine monks followed the Rule of St Benedict, written in the 6th century and still followed by Benedictine monks in the UK and around the world. The monks spent their time praying (as you would expect!), doing physical work and studying. This kept the spirit, body and mind exercised and healthy.

With the help of our cathedral mascot, Eggie the Eagle, this presentation gives a light hearted look at the normal pattern of a monastic day in the medieval period. As well as viewing the slideshow above, you can click on the images below for larger versions.

	1.45am	The monks are woken by the Circa (night-watchman).
	2am	They go into the cathedral for the first services of the day – Matins and Lauds. Then most of the monks go back to bed but the Kitchener begins preparing the food for the day.
	5.45am	The monks are woken (again!) for Prime at 6am. Breakfast follows at 6.30am.
	7am	Lectio Divina (reading and studying holy books). 9 am Service of Tierce followed by Mass.
	10am	Chapter meeting.
	10.30am	Work (eg. Bee-keeper, Cellerer, Infirmarian, Prior).
	12noon	Precentor (choir-master). Mid-day service (Sext) followed by dinner.
	1pm	Siesta (afternoon rest) then 3pm Service of Nones.
	3.30pm	Work followed by service of Vespers at 5.30pm.
	6pm	Supper followed by Compline, final service of the day... and then to bed.