The guestmaster (hosteller)

The guest complex at Fountains
© Cistercians in Yorkshire Project
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The guestmaster, or hosteller as he was known, was the monastic official in charge of the guest complex. He was helped by at least one lay-brother. After visitors had been formally received by the porter, they were introduced to the guestmaster who tended them until their departure and, if necessary, mediated on their behalf. For instance, if a visitor was ill or about to die, the guestmaster notified the prior or the monastic official responsible.

One of the guestmaster’s duties was to prepare the ceremonial washing of visitors’ feet, known as the Maundy of the guests. Each week several monks were appointed to help him. The guestmaster was also involved with the proceedings on Maundy Thursday, when a number of poor folk were led into the cloister for the symbolic washing of their feet and thereafter refreshed in the hospice.

Did all visitors stay together in the guest complex?
Women were not permitted to stay within the Cistercian precinct, and male visitors would have been distinguished according to their position and relationship with the abbey. Most guests would have stayed in the guest hall, whilst more distinguished visitors would have been given separate chambers, perhaps in a guest house. Guest halls could be rather rowdy places and there are several accounts of fights and even murders occurring here.

On account of his duties the guestmaster, like the other monastic officials, was granted concessions. For example, he was allowed to speak with everyone who ate or slept in the guesthouse and if he was busy with guests was permitted to excuse himself from claustral activities.

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