Groups of men who lived in monasteries were called monks. Similar groups of women were called nuns. A man in charge of a monastery was called an 'Abbot'. A woman in charge was called an 'Abbess'. They all prayed a lot, but also had to work hard growing their own food and looking after farm animals. They helped the local people too. They ran hospitals, guesthouses and schools. Only children of very rich lords and kings went to school. In return, kings and lords gave the monasteries money to pray for their souls. This was used to look after relics, build beautiful churches (British & Saxon), make brilliant metalwork and needlework and keep libraries of decorated books. The books were all written by hand. Activity Sheet available.