Role of monasteries prior to dissolution

how many monasteries/abbies were there in England and what were they central to? (role prior to dissolution)

800, they were central to the life of both rich and poor

What was there main function? (role prior to dissolution)

saying prayers (masses) for the souls of the dead in order to ease the path through purgatory

Monasteries were what? (role prior to dissolution)

some of the biggest land owners in the country

What did monasteries provide? (role prior to dissolution)

employment on farms

What were they centres for? (role prior to dissolution)

learning and the arts

What did monks and nuns produce? (role prior to dissolution)

illuminated manuscripts before the invention of the printing press, as well as carvings, paintings, music

What were some of the diverse monastic orders? (role prior to dissolution)

• Benedictines- largest and richest

• Cistercians- farmed for simple life and sheep farming

• Carthusians- strictest, lived in ‘Charter houses’