The refectory

The refectory (latin refectorium) was a common dining room for the knights. Because the rules of the order demanded a structured collective lifestyle, the meals were had at specific times. The knights had a two course hot meal twice a day with bread and a half pint of wine served on the side. Meat was usually served on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, except during religious holidays. On Sunday, meat was allowed for both meals. Vegetable-based or similar dishes were served on Monday, Thursday, adn Saturday, Friday was a fasting day. During the meals the Scriptures were read, therefore total silence was demanded in the refectory. The knights used hand signals to communicate during meals. Refectory also serced as a ceremonial room for gatheringsand it was usually located in the southern wing of the building. Nowadays, organized banquets take place in the refectory where dishes, preared according to medieval recipes at the kitchen of Schenkenberg Inn, are served. Smaller dinner parties find themselves in the Scottish chamber, named after the Scotsman who died during the siege of 1574.