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| Monk sleeping |
Times: 3.30am-4am, 1.45-2.45pm, 8pm-1.45am
The life of a monk was harsh and uncomfortable.They lived in communal dormitories, or in single bare cells, whichwere hot in summer and freezing in winter.
Between praying up to seven times a day and working a medieval monkgot little sleep. They averaged approximately five hours sleepbetween evening prayers and the 2am church service, and then snatchedanother half an hour before being up at 4am for more prayer.
They were allowed to rest again after their midday meal but many spentthat time in private reflection and reading.
They slept on narrow slabs of stone with only straw for padding, withonly coarse blankets as a covering.
When they joined the monastery novices or monks in training were issuedwith only two sets of clothing and only two blankets. For monks likeMartin Luther in Northern Germany the nights were very chilly indeed.
For many the only personal items they owned, having renounced all theirmaterial possessions, was a crucifix and their begging bowl.
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