The layout of the infirmary

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The infirmary complex consisted of a large stone aisled hall and chapel, a latrine block and perhaps also a bath-house. It is likely that the large kitchen which stood to the east of the complex and served the new abbot’s house in the sixteenth century, had previously functioned as the infirmary kitchen. Fresh air and gentle exercise were important to aid recovery and the infirmary had its own cloister with open arcades where the inmates could sit or take a stroll; part of the arcade has been reconstructed in the north alley.

The large aisled hall stood at the heart of the complex. It had ten bays, measured some 45m x 10.5m internally and would have been spacious, airy and warm, or at least warmer than the monks’ dormitory, where heating was forbidden. Original fireplaces survive in the second and sixth bays. Light entered through round-headed windows and remains of these can be seen in the west wall. The hall was originally designed as an open-plan ward, with the beds arranged around the sides. Later, when privacy and comfort were of greater concern, timber partitions were replaced by stone screens. The space in the centre could have been used as a dining area and also for exercise.

The infirmary was remodelled in the mid-thirteenth century. A new chapel was built in the NE part of the hall and a covered passage was constructed to provide access to the abbey church, via the south presbytery aisle.