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The Dormitory
off Abbey Street,
Reading
The
Dormitory (or Dorter) of Reading Abbey, where the monks slept, sat at the
south-east corner of the cloister. It was separated from the Chapter House
by a short passage leading to the Monks' cemetery out the back. The
channel's arched decoration can still be made out in the stonework. The
ground floor of the dormitory was used for general storage, though
probably also contained the parlour and warming room where the brethren
were allowed to warm themselves by a roaring fire during the winter
months. Above, was a single long communal room set out with beds
stretching down each side, possibly with a chest for each monk's change of
habit, pen, knife and needle.
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