The Infirmary
The large rectangular building to the east of the site, now standing only a few courses in height, served as the infirmary ( 16). Here were housed both the aged monks and the younger monks when sick or during blood letting. This practice was believed to be an essential therapeutic operation, and each monk was bled some four times a year.
Built in the thirteenth century, the infirmary hall was later re modelled with internal arcades to form two side aisles. These were eventually developed into a series of private cubicles on two storeys, and fireplaces were installed in most of them to increase the comfort of their occupants. Further improvements were implemented in the fifteenth century when a new kitchen (14) and scullery (15) were added to the north of the building.