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In the medieval period nuns came from many social classes, including royalty. It is a fact that many came from the aristocracy and this was for several reasons.

1) Aristocratic ladies tended to be very religious in their daily lives and did no physical work of any kind - many used rosaries (paternosters) to recite prayers and they had time to attend many church services (peasant women had little spare time since they were generally working from sunrise to sunset).

2) There was no welfare system or pension arrangement for elderly ladies, so entering a nunnery ensured constant care, food, warmth, clothing and companionship. A widow whose husband had been a knight would usually find herself homeless, since the eldest son inherited everything, including all lands, manors and wealth, so entering a nunnery solved all her problems.

3) The aristocracy would be in a position to fund the establishment of a new nunnery and give donations of cash, land and valuables to ensure its continued upkeep. When these noblewomen grew old they expected something in return, treating it as an investment for their own security and wellbeing.

4) A girl from a wealthy family might decide not to marry and to devote herself entirely to the service of God. This might well involve personal fears about marriage, since people were not so informed as they are today.

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