A Medieval Monastery, the Plan of St. Gall

1- In the Middle Ages monks lived a life of constant obedience and respect for others but most of all, a life in the service of Christ. Upon being accepted as a member of a monastery they had to give up all traces of individualism and become part of a collective. They were not allowed personal possessions and had to adhere to a humble and controlled existence always under the watchful eye of an elder. Food (2 cooked dishes and bread) was for sustenance rather than for enjoyment and everyone got the same amount unless very young or frail, wine was allowed; meat was reserved for the weak and the sick. Fresh fruit and vegetables grown at the monastery were allowed when available, but in moderation. Everyone slept in assigned beds in common quarters, fully clothed, a candle burning all night and of course, an elder sleeping in the room. Even how they socialized was scrutinized.

2- The Plan of St. Gall lays out the grounds and structures in a logical fashion. The school, guest house and the cloister adjacent to the Cathedral building, and the scriptorium to the left of the sanctuary and altar; animals were kept away from the holiest part of the church, the altar.

3- For me the appeal is to re-discover the techniques used to work with stone and the tools needed to do the job. But most important, the workers would have to put aside all the new engineering principles we know today, and think of how to solve a problem with limited resources and the use of hand tools. Also, dressing the way people did at the time helps frame their mind in the Middle Ages and “become” a stone mason from that time.