the.com/refectory
where monks ate in silence, fed by scripture read aloud instead of small talk
silent diningTalking banned; a reader recited holy texts mid-meal
latin rootFrom reficere, to remake or restore oneself
oxbridge hallsSurvives as grand dining halls at ancient colleges
hidden pulpitMany had a built-in lectern for the reader
sign languageMonks devised hand gestures to pass the salt