Bleeding was much in fashion in the middle ages. In the fifteenth
century, it was the subject of a poem; and Robert Boutevylleyn, a
founder, claimed in the abbey of Pipewell four bleedings _per annum_.
Among the monks this operation was termed “minution.”
In some abbeys was a bleeding-house, called “Fleboto-maria.” There were
certain festivals when this bleeding was not allowed. The monks desired
often to be bled, on account of eating meat.
In the order of S. Victor, the brethren were bled five times a year; in
September, before Advent, before Lent, after Easter, and at Pentecost,
which bleeding lasted three days. After the third day they came to
Mattins, and were in the convent; on the fourth day, they received
absolution in the chapter. In another rule, one choir was bled at the
same time, in silence and psalmody, sitting in order in a cell.[113]
[113] Fosbroke’s British Monachism.
* * * * *
OLD CEREMONIES, &c.
ORDER OF THE MAUNDAY, MADE AT GREENWICH ON THE 19TH OF MARCH, 1572; 14
ELIZ. From No. 6183 Add. MSS. in the British Museum.