Brother William's year - Jan Pancheri

Brother William is a monk gardener at Westminster Abbey in the 14th Century. He is based on the monk-gardener who would have lived and worked in the garden at that time, and was responsible for providing the other monks with food all year round. He did almost all the work himself, except at busy times such as harvest-time. He had one day off a year - which was called his 'O' Day - when he was excused from some of the services.



The Rule of St Benedict, which all the brothers followed at that time, stated that everyone should work, whether rich or poor. Practical work such as gardening, keeping animals, building a barn or illustrating a manuscript were thought to be as important as praying, writing sermons or singing psalms. Westminster Abbey had a tradition of helping people outside the Abbey by treating their illnesses and giving away surplus fruit or vegetables.



The 14th century was an important time for the Abbey monastery. The Abbey itself had been rebuilt and enlarged so that it looks much as it does now. During the year this book is recording - 1383 - the Great Missal was being created - a lavishly illustrated book telling the history of the Abbey.