The word reredorter is Anglo-Norman French and since it was the Normans who built (and replaced earlier) monasteries in England, many of the terms associated with monastic sites are in that language.
A dorter was a communal dormitory for monks. The word reredorter literally means "behind the dorter", which is where the lavatorium or wash-house was situated.
This reredorter or lavatorium (Latin for "a place for washing") had latrines which deposited waste into a specially-routed water course below, as well as a completely clean water supply (often via taps and Plumbing) for washing hair, faces, feet and hands.
I once had to explain these Anglo-Norman French terms to a Frenchman, who could not understand any of them.
The reredorter in a medieval monastery was a toilet or latrine area. It was typically located at the eastern end of the dormitory or sleeping quarters for the monks. It was a communal space with multiple stalls or seats, usually without partitions for privacy.
Monks lived in monateries.
He was a steward. Yes, he was a steward, but in a monastery or a college. He was responsible for the purchase of provisions.
A monk is a man who has taken a solemn vow to devote life to prayer and service in a monastery.
Chaplains were nearly always priests who had learned theology either in a monastery school or a university.
This title has mostly fallen out of use, formally a person who distributes 'arms' and charity to the deserving poor.
The Middle Age monastery was a place where people came for help, medical care, an bed overnight, and saving.
George Gordon Coulton has written: 'Medieval panorama' -- subject(s): Catholic Church, History, Great Britain, Civilization, Medieval Civilization 'Friar's Lantern' 'Public Schools and the Public Needs, Suggestions for the Reform of Our Teaching Methods in the ..' 'Medieval village, manor, and monastery' -- subject(s): Civilization, Medieval, Villeinage, Social history, Medieval, Medieval Civilization
In Medieval England, the belief in Heaven and Hell was total. Medieval Peasants were taught that the only way to Heaven and salvation was via the Church.They gained the thought that they were going to heaven, because in those days if you attended church youhave a place reserved in heaven
M. B. Parkes has written: 'The scriptorium of Wearmouth-Jarrow' -- subject(s): Jarrow Monastery, Monk-Wearmouth (monastery) 'English cursive book hands, 1250-1500' -- subject(s): English Paleography, Facsimiles, Medieval Manuscripts
Nuns have always lived in monasteries. They are sometimes called an Abbey, but the Abbey strictly refers to the Church, while "monastery" refers to the entire complex. "Monastery" can refer to a place where Nuns live, or where monks live. The archaic term for where Nuns live and work was "Nunnery."
Besides preserving manuscripts, the monks taught better methods of agriculture, cared for the poor and the sick, and conducted church activities.