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The Dormitory
off Abbey Street, Reading
 
 
The Dormitory (or Dorter) of Reading Abbey, where the monks slept, sat at the south-east corner of the cloister. It was separated from the Chapter House by a short passage leading to the Monks' cemetery out the back. The channel's arched decoration can still be made out in the stonework. The ground floor of the dormitory was used for general storage, though probably also contained the parlour and warming room where the brethren were allowed to warm themselves by a roaring fire during the winter months. Above, was a single long communal room set out with beds stretching down each side, possibly with a chest for each monk's change of habit, pen, knife and needle.

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