Part 6/8:

As the culinary landscape shifted with wealthier classes joining monastic life, expectations surrounding meals evolved. Many monasteries, with their wealth amassed through land grants, became culinary havens of fine dining propelled by vibrant ingredients and skilled chefs. The discussions surrounding these practices unveil the intrinsic duality within monastic life, where strict observance of rules coexisted with indulgence and creativity.

Engaging with Richness: Monastic Innovations

Intriguingly, Gerald of Wales documents how some monasteries bent the rules surrounding meals to accommodate their richer lifestyles. Though strictly forbidden to consume meat, certain monks found loopholes, enjoying their favoured dishes in the privacy of smaller dining areas, or “misericords.”