Dig finds medieval monk was living it up in Kilkenny 'pad'

[Liffrea]

ARCHAEOLOGISTS IN Kilkenny have discovered new evidence of the lavish lifestyle enjoyed by a medieval Irish monk.

This was unearthed recently during ongoing excavations that prove at least some senior clergy feasted on roast swan, T-bone steaks and imported fine French wines. This, despite their public image as men who professed poverty and who were supposed to be devoted to “the simple life”.

A 14th-century toilet, known as a “garderobe”, was also excavated.

The archaeological dig is taking place in the grounds of Rothe House, an early 17th-century Irish merchant’s town residence and garden situated in the centre of Kilkenny city. But the excavations have uncovered evidence of a previous “town house” there which belonged to Cistercian monks.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/...264553851.html

[Beorn]

Corruption, corruption, corruption. All these sins can be washed away...for a price.

It is interesting to see that the Abbot's luxurious lifestyle came to an abrupt end through the reclamation of Church assets under King Henry VIII. It is a shame that it merely passed from one upper class of society to another.

Ah well, it belongs to the people now.