Monastic Day

There may be slight variations from place to place and at different times from the Dark Ages through the Middle Ages and onward – e.g. Vespers may be after supper rather than before. This gives a rough outline. Slight liberties are taken in my novels to allow human interactions to play out.

 

Winter Schedule (from Michaelmas)

2:30am Preparation for the nocturns of matins – psalms etc.

3:00am Matins, with prayers for the royal family and for the dead

5:00am Reading in preparation for

6:00am Lauds at daybreak and Prime; wash and break fast (just bread and water, standing)

8.30am Terce, Morrow Mass, Chapter

12:00 noon Sext, Sung Mass, midday meal

2.00pm None

4:15pm Vespers, Supper, Collatio

6:15pm Compline The Grand Silence begins

 

Summer Schedule

1:30am Preparation for the nocturns of matins – psalms etc.

2:00am Matins

3:30am Lauds at daybreak, wash and break fast

6:00am Prime, Morrow Mass, Chapter

8:00am Terce, Sung Mass

11:30am Sext, midday meal

2:30pm None

5:30pm Vespers, Supper, Collatio

8:00pm Compline The Grand Silence begins