Monasteries and Benedictine Monks

This section explains at Monasteries and Benedictine Monks in Norman England. Following the Norman Conquest of 1066, monasteries played a crucial role in shaping the religious, social, and educational landscape of England. These religious communities were separate from the local parishes and formed a distinct part of Christian life in medieval England. They were centres of devotion, learning, and discipline, where monks and nuns lived their lives completely dedicated to religious service.

The Role and Organisation of Monasteries

Monasteries were distinct from parish churches in that they were generally isolated, with monks and nuns living in seclusion from the wider, non-religious population. The leadership of a monastery was typically held by an abbot (for a male community) or an abbess (for a female community). The abbot was responsible for the management and spiritual guidance of the monks, and often held considerable influence both within the Church and the broader society.

Following the Norman Conquest, many of the existing Anglo-Saxon abbots were replaced by Normans, in line with William’s broader strategy to consolidate control over the Church in England. This process is often referred to as the Normanisation of the English Church. For example, in 1078, a Norman abbot, Thurstan, replaced the Anglo-Saxon abbot Aethelnoth at Glastonbury Abbey. This reshaping of leadership in monastic communities extended to some of the most influential monasteries in England, such as Westminster Abbey and Glastonbury.

The Establishment of Benedictine Monasteries

The Normans established several new monasteries, many of which followed the Benedictine Rule. The Benedictine monks adhered to a strict set of guidelines for daily life, known as the Benedictine Rule, which was founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century. Monks following this rule lived in communities that were self-sustaining and focused on prayer, manual labour, and learning.

The Canterbury Priory was one of the first Norman monasteries established in England, and it quickly became a key religious centre. Lanfranc, the first Norman Archbishop of Canterbury, significantly influenced the development of the Priory. Lanfranc also declared that all future Archbishops of Canterbury should be elected by the monks of Canterbury Priory, reinforcing the importance of the monastery in the spiritual and administrative life of the Church.

Life of a Benedictine Monk

The life of a Benedictine monk was one of strict discipline and devotion. The monks were required to observe the Benedictine Rule, which placed a strong emphasis on communal living, prayer, and service. The day of a monk was structured around a series of eight services of prayer and chanting, which took place at set times throughout the day. The first service, known as Matins, began at 2 a.m., and the final service, Compline, ended the day at 6 p.m.

In between the services, monks spent time in personal prayer, study, or labour, which could involve working on the monastery's land or copying religious texts. Benedictine monks were instructed to follow a simple diet, with two meals a day, and were forbidden from consuming expensive food such as meat. Conversations were kept to a minimum, with silence maintained for much of the day to foster a spirit of contemplation and prayer.

The Revival and Expansion of Monastic Life in Northern England

The revival of monastic life in the north of England was an important aspect of the Norman era. In particular, William of St Carilef, the Bishop of Durham, played a major role in reviving and expanding monasticism in the region. William, a monk from Normandy, was instrumental in the re-establishment of the Whitby Abbey and the founding of new monasteries at Selby and St Mary’s York. He also brought monks from Wearmouth and Jarrow to serve the cathedral at Durham and care for the shrine of St Cuthbert, a major religious figure in the region.

William also oversaw the rebuilding of Durham Cathedral in 1093, which stands as one of the most magnificent examples of Norman Romanesque architecture. The cathedral became an important centre of both religion and monastic life, further cementing the Normans’ influence over England's religious institutions.

The Cluniac Monks and the Expansion of Monastic Orders

As part of his efforts to introduce stronger and more disciplined monastic orders to England, William encouraged the arrival of the Cluniac monks, a stricter order that had originated in Cluny in southern France. The Cluniacs were known for their commitment to reform and their emphasis on prayer and discipline. By 1135, the Cluniacs had taken control of 24 monasteries across England, further expanding the influence of monasticism in the country.

One notable example of Cluniac involvement in England is the establishment of a new abbey at Battle in Sussex. Built by William himself on the site of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the abbey symbolised the Norman victory and was dedicated to religious service in gratitude for the Conquest.

The Educational Role of Monasteries

Monasteries also played a crucial role in the education of the clergy and lay people in medieval England. As centres of learning, monasteries provided the limited education available in the country. Latin, the language of the Church and of official documents, was taught to boys who aspired to become priests or clerks. Latin became the essential tool for anyone wishing to engage in religious or governmental affairs in Norman England. Importantly, this education was conducted in Anglo-Norman, the language of the ruling elite, rather than in Old English, further highlighting the shift in language and culture following the Norman Conquest.

Monastic schools were important not just for religious instruction, but also for administrative purposes. Young boys who wished to enter the church or work as clerks for the local or royal government would have received their education within these monasteries. The monks who taught these schools were often the only people with the skills to read and write, which was essential in an era where literacy was rare outside of the Church.

Conclusion

Monasteries in Norman England were central to the development of religious and cultural life following the Conquest. Under the leadership of figures like Lanfranc and William of St Carilef, the Church was restructured to align with Norman power, and monastic life flourished, particularly in the north of England. The Benedictine monks, along with other orders like the Cluniacs, played an essential role in spreading Christianity, preserving knowledge, and maintaining the spiritual and political stability of the kingdom. Their influence continued to grow throughout the medieval period, making monasteries integral not only to religious life but also to the educational and administrative systems of Norman England.