Monastic education was not confined to communities of men. The need to equip women living under vows with the literacy and numeracy to fulfil the requirements of the rule was no different. Just as in male monasteries, there was a rising number of children. Since women would not proceed to ordination, there was not the same emphasis placed on learning the duties of the priesthood.
Nonetheless, female superiors were charged with the spiritual wellbeing of their communities just like their male counterparts, and manuals of pastoral care were used in the same way. Monastic women were also given instruction in the special qualities of their profession.
The monk Aldhelm of Malmesbury (d. 709) collected accounts of women who had achieved sainthood under the title In praise of virginity (De laude…
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Medieval World Culture & Conflict (Digital) - 1 Issue, Issue 16 - 2025