Misbehaving Monks: Crimes and Punishments for Cistercians
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BD
“Misbehaving Monks: Crimes and Punishments for Cistercians” is a 1.5 hour guided tour of Byland Abbey that explores how medieval monks lived—and what happened when they broke the rules.
The talk introduces monastic life as a disciplined, religious lifestyle based on prayer, work, and strict community living. It outlines the history of Byland Abbey and the Cistercian order, including their self-sufficient economy and daily routines.
A key focus is St Benedict’s Rule, the foundation of monastic discipline, explaining how monks were corrected through a system of warnings, separation (excommunication), and, in serious cases, physical punishment or expulsion. The emphasis was always on reforming behaviour and saving the monk’s soul rather than simple punishment.
The tour then explores the types of punishments used and monastic prisons.
Finally, it briefly touches on the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, when many stories of bad behaviour were exaggerated to justify closing abbeys like Byland in 1538.
Timings
- Friday 18 September:
- 1300
Location & directions
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BD
- Directions:
- 2 miles south of A170, between Thirsk and Helmsley; near Coxwold village. Small, free triangular-shaped car park (room for about 9 cars). Additional parking is available in the lay-bys half a mile to the south towards Coxwold and behind the Abbey Inn.
- Contact on day:
- Saskia Edwards
- Telephone number:
- +447990107393
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The ground is uneven with narrow steps - the site does not currently offer a fully wheelchair accessible route. There are no toilets on site - however there is a pub directly opposite the site.
Additional information
- Max number of people:
- 25
- Estimated duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
