The leaning of this period was confined almost wholly to the clergy.
Whatever schools existed were connected with the monasteries and
nunneries. Oxford had begun to be regarded as a seat of leaning
(1120). The instruction was given by priests, though some noted
Jewish scholars may have had pupils there. Very few books were
written during this period. Generally speaking, the nobility
considered fighting the great business of life and cared nothing for
education. They thought that reading and writing were beneath their
dignity, and left such accomplishments to monks, priests, and
lawyers. For this reason seals or stamps having some device or
signature engraved on them came to be used on all papers of
importance.