Berkshire History for Kids: Abbey Kitchen

Where Monks Cooked

The monks prepared their food and cooked their meals here.
It had massive fireplaces with roaring fires on which to cook the food. There were big chimneys to take away the smoke. A very posh chimney can still be seen on the Checker Hall of Abingdon Abbey.
Because the building got so hot, there was a big central vent in the ceiling to let the hot air out and fresh air in.
It was built near the refectory so that the food didn't get cold before it reached the table.
It was also near the Abbot's House for the same reason. The Abbot ate his meals alone or with guests.
Some monasteries had kitchens specially for baking bread. They were called bakehouses. The bakehouse of Abingdon Abbey still stands today.