Rievaulx Abbey

Did you know that during Advent at Rievaulx Abbey, the monks' diet was even more austere than normal as they were forbidden eggs, animal fat, milk and foods made from milk. This restriction was lifted at start of Christmas, but until the mid 14th century their diet was still strictly vegetarian. It's possible that the monks' diet was enlivened by 'pittances' – gifts made by benefactors of extra dishes of food and drink. We know that monks of Sawley Abbey (a Cistercian house in West Riding, now one of English Heritage's Free Sites) had such a pittance on Christmas Eve. However, by 15th century meat was being eaten twice a week and it's very likely that it was eaten on Christmas Day at Rievaulx Abbey. Evidence from other Cistercian monasteries in England and around Europe shows that beef and other meat was obtained for Christmas.

Dromos