The Cloisters
Kirkstall Abbey
A cloister is the area in a monastery around which the principal buildings are situated. This allows a means of communication between the buildings. The cloisters usually followed either a Benedictine or a Cistercian arrangement.
In Cistercian monasteries like Kirkstall, the western side of the cloister was usually occupied by two storey lodgings for the lay brothers. Their day rooms and workshops would be situated beneath the dormitory. The buildings generally stood on the south of the church to get as much sunshine as possible.
The cloister was the centre of activity for its inhabitants. The younger members were educated and the elders studied. The west walk was traditionally the place of educational instruction. The other walkways, especially the one next to the church, were devoted to the studies of the elder monks. The cloister also served for exercise and general recreation, particularly in bad weather, and its central area and walkways were the customary places of burial.
The cloister at Kirkstall is now a picnic area. Through the large double arches on the right is the chapter house, now full of straw and chairs, giving the appearance that it’s used for school visits. To the right of the chapter house is the entrance to the parlour, and to the left the library. Behind me to the right would have been the kitchen, refectory and warming room. Off to the left the cellarium where the all important stores of food, wine and ale were stored.
Thank you for your visit and your commments, they are greatly appreciated.
The Cloisters
Kirkstall Abbey
A cloister is the area in a monastery around which the principal buildings are situated. This allows a means of communication between the buildings. The cloisters usually followed either a Benedictine or a Cistercian arrangement.
In Cistercian monasteries like Kirkstall, the western side of the cloister was usually occupied by two storey lodgings for the lay brothers. Their day rooms and workshops would be situated beneath the dormitory. The buildings generally stood on the south of the church to get as much sunshine as possible.
The cloister was the centre of activity for its inhabitants. The younger members were educated and the elders studied. The west walk was traditionally the place of educational instruction. The other walkways, especially the one next to the church, were devoted to the studies of the elder monks. The cloister also served for exercise and general recreation, particularly in bad weather, and its central area and walkways were the customary places of burial.
The cloister at Kirkstall is now a picnic area. Through the large double arches on the right is the chapter house, now full of straw and chairs, giving the appearance that it’s used for school visits. To the right of the chapter house is the entrance to the parlour, and to the left the library. Behind me to the right would have been the kitchen, refectory and warming room. Off to the left the cellarium where the all important stores of food, wine and ale were stored.
Thank you for your visit and your commments, they are greatly appreciated.