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Food and drink (10/14)
The lay-brothers, like the monks, were subject to regulations regarding food, drink and eating. Those who worked at the monastery ate in their refectory in the western range and then returned to work until Compline. They were served at the same as the monks and received the same food in the same quantity, which was prepared in the same kitchen. Shepherds attached to the abbey granges brought their food with them to eat in the pastures at the appropriate time, but were expected to return any leftover bread. They were strictly prohibited from accepting gifts of food, but could, should they wish, eat berries or nuts that they found.(16) The lay-brothers who worked and lived on the granges received more generous portions than those staying at the abbey, and were not expected to observe as many fasts. On the downside, they were not permitted ale or wine, lest this led to drunkenness which might in turn result in frivolity or disaster. This prohibition fuelled much discontent and sparked off several revolts. In 1195 the lay-brothers of Cymer, Wales, stole their abbot’s horse because he had banned ale; in 1206 the abbot of Meaux, Yorkshire, found himself fleeing an angry mob of lay-brothers after he deprived them of ale. The enraged brethren pulled the cellarer from his horse, attacked both him and the abbot, who they then pursued for several miles. As a grand finale, the insurgents barricaded themselves in the monks’ dormitory and refused to give the monks any food.(17) Some of the lay-brothers (such as novices, the infirm, those who had been bloodlet and those serving in the refectory, who ate after the others had dined) might receive a light snack, the mixt, to tie them over to dinner. This consisted of 1/2 lb - or even more - of coarse bread and water, and was thus more generous than the monk’s allowance of 1/4 lb bread and 1/3 measure of wine. |
