How the Monks lived at Kirkstall Abbey
The monks of the Cistercian order took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience when entering the monastery, also adopting the characteristic habit or robe of undyed white sheep's wool worn beneath a black woollen scapular or cowl.
The head of their community, the abbot, was elected by the monks, usually from among themselves. He exercised absolute control over all the religious and secular aspects of the abbey, being assisted in these duties by the prior, his principal deputy, the cellarer, who supervised the material organisation of the abbey, the precentor, who organised the services in church, and the sacrist, who was responsible for the church furniture and fittings.
Each day was occupied by a series of services in the Abbey church, considerable periods also being allowed for work which might include manual activity on the land, supervision of workshops, administration and clerical duties, or the instruction of novices.
As the medieval day was governed by the sun, rather than by today's mechanical clocks, it is difficult to present an accurate timetable of services and work, but a typical day might have been as follows:
2.00 am Matins
3.00 am Lauds
6.00 am Prime
8.00 am Terce
8.30 am Morning Mass
9.00 am Chapter
10.00 am High Mass
11.00 am Dinner
12.30 pm Nones Work
6.00 pm Vespers Supper
7.00 pm Compline
Retirement for the night