Monastic Day

There may be slight variation 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)

2:30 a.m. Preparation for the nocturns of matins – psalms, etc.

3:00 a.m. Matins, with prayers for the royal family and for the dead.

5:00 a.m. Reading in preparation for Lauds.

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

8:30 a.m. Terce, Morrow Mass, Chapter.

12:00 noon Sext, Sung Mass, midday meal.

2:00 p.m. None.

4:15 p.m. Vespers, Supper, Collatio.

6:15 p.m. Compline.

The Grand Silence begins.

Summer Schedule

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

2:00 a.m. Matins.

3:30 a.m. Lauds at daybreak, wash and break fast.

6:00 a.m. Prime, Morrow Mass, Chapter.

8:00 a.m. Terce, Sung Mass.

11:30 a.m. Sext, midday meal.

2:30 p.m. None.

5:30 p.m. Vespers, Supper, Collatio.

8:00 p.m. Compline.

The Grand Silence begins.