Anglo-Saxon monasteries
I can describe Anglo-Saxon monasticism and the reform movement of the 10th century.
Anglo-Saxon monasteries
I can describe Anglo-Saxon monasticism and the reform movement of the 10th century.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- In the 8th century, there were at least 200 monasteries in England, almost all Benedictine.
- Some monasteries were large and wealthy establishments and many were important centres of learning.
- The 9th century saw an actual decline in monasticism and also a change in how monasteries were run.
- Viking raids and invasions targeted monasteries and were most responsible for the decline in monasticism.
- A reform movement in the 10th century brought changes to monasticism in southern England.
Keywords
Abbey - the building occupied by a community of monks or nuns
Benedictine - following the rule of St Benedict, a 6th century monk who wrote guidelines for how monks and nuns should live
Monastery - a community of monks
Monasticism - relating to monks and monasteries and religious life in monasteries
Reform - to change with the intention of making better
Common misconception
That Anglo-Saxon monasteries all followed the same rules, as set out by St Benedict.
In fact, the abbot of a monastery was able to decide what the rules of their monastery should be, so that there was a lot of variation between monasteries.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of discriminatory behaviour
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the building occupied by a community of monks or nuns
a community of monks
relating to monks and monasteries and religious life in monasteries
to change with the intention of making better