Berkshire History for Kids: Cloister

Where Monks Walked

This was the main route for getting between different parts of the monastery.
The monks could walk and talk here. Exercise was important.
In the winter, they were allowed into the WARMING ROOM which had a big fire.
They could sit in alcoves in the cloister and copy or illuminate manuscripts.
The novices might be taught here too.
There was usually a long basin called a LAVATORIUM. It was for washing in the morning & before meals. This is where the word 'Lavatory' comes from - although that is used for something slightly different!