Religion: Tickford Priory

Charitable works
Monasteries also provided services which we expect from the State today: caring for the sick, orphans, the blind and the aged, as well as giving hospitality to travellers, whether poor pilgrims or the king with all his court.

The Almoner was in charge of the distribution of alms to the poor. At Tickford needy people would go to little gate by the almoners parlour, where they could collect money to buy food, or visit the little chapel there if their problems were more spiritual.

The Infirmarer looked after the sick who would be tended in the infirmary. The misericord was where the weak or sick could eat. Many monks were distinguished herbalists and doctors. However, there is no mention of Tickford being a notable centre of medicine.

The Guest-master supervised the guest-house and offered hospitality to visitiors. (One of the rules of St Benedict that hospitality should be offered.) Some monasteries, such as Canterbury were important centres of Pilgrimage. At Tickford, the King's chamber was for the use of special guests but, unlike today, there is no record of many Pilgrims turning off Watling Street (the nearest main road) to call in for services at Newport Pagnell!
Picture of a pilgrim courtesy of MK Parks Trust
Click here to see plan of the priory