There were many religious communities in medieval Britain.
Four of the major movements followed the 'Rule of Saint Benedict.' The Rule of Saint Benedict was first adopted in England in the 7th century.
By the late Middle Ages, several hundred English monasteries of monks and nuns were living according to this rule.
At the core of the Benedictine day was communal prayer, and every day the monks gathered together in church to sing eight services.
Time was also set aside for reading and manual work, which might include gardening, cleaning or copying manuscripts.
Monasteries also had an obligation to offer hospitality to travellers and alms to the poor.
The Rule of Saint Benedict was summed up in the motto, 'Pray and work.' In the 11th century the Cluniacs, a reformed order, wanted a grander style of worship.
Their interpretation of the Rule called for a celebration of God through beautiful art, architecture and elaborate services.
In Cluniac monasteries, servants did some of the manual labour.
The Cluniac life was too opulent for the Cistercians.
