To assist him in running the abbey, the abbot appointed a number of officials: |
The Cellarer
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the abbey's business manager, responsible for all food, drink and building materials.
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The Kitchener
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ordered food from the cellarer and supervised its preparation, cooking and delivery to the refectory.
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The Fraterer
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ran the refectory and supervised the serving of the meals.
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The Chamberlain
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in charge of the making and supply of footwear, clothing, table linen and bed clothes.
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The Infirmarian
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in charge of the Infirmary, where old and sick monks lived.
- It was both a hospital and an old peoples' home.
- In addition, the infirmarian and his helpers provided the only health care available to people living in the area.
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The Almoner
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had the job of taking care of the poor.
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Each day food, clothing and medical care were offered to poor people who came to the abbey.
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The Guest Master
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was responsible for meeting and taking care of travellers and visitors to the abbey. Food and accommodation were provided free in the abbey's Guest House.
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Rich and important visitors might stay at the Abbot's Lodgings.
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The Sacristan
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was in charge of the church buildings and all the articles needed to conduct the services.
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This included the gold or silver plates and chalices used in the Mass and the embroidered robes worn by the priests officiating at the services. These were kept in a strongroom, the sacristy.
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The sacristan was also responsible for keeping the church lit with candles and oil lamps.
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