The Calefactory (Warming House or Common Room)
The
Calefactory, also called the Warming House or Common
Room, was a place for the monks to relax together, and, in winter,
enjoy the
benefit of a hot fire, especially after night offices.
Monks had warm, specially issued ‘night boots’ and
robes so that they could be as
warm as possible, but the churches were large and unheated and often
draughty. After the night and early
morning offices, they were allowed time to congregate together by the
fire and
warm up.
Monks also
practiced ritual bleeding, where two to six monks
at a time (depending on the size of the house) were bled by the
Infirmarian, or
someone qualified to perform the procedure. Being
blooded was considered a health regimen, and it was
thought to
purge the body of impurities. Perhaps in
the days when heavy metals (such as lead and mercury) were used in
plate
glazing and water pipes, periodic bleeding helped purge the body of
this metal
buildup.
Each monk was
blooded once a year, or occasionally twice, on
a rotating basis. Strict rules followed
all aspects of the ritual. The operation
took place during in the afternoon in the Calefactory (common room or
warming
house) by a warm fire with a styptic and a basin. After,
the monk’s arm was wrapped tightly in
bandages and for four days he was excused any activity that would risk
a
resumption of the bleeding, such as too much standing or kneeling, or
any
activity where the bandages might be accidentally brushed or bumped. The monk was excused choir duties (though he
was still expected to attend the offices) and, though he still had to
wake up
during the night for prayer, he could go to the infirmary chapel
instead of the
church, where the service was quicker and simpler.
An easier schedule in general was allowed,
rest encouraged, and foods such as an
extra egg and beef broth, were given to help build strength.
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