Inside the life of British monks – how much they earn to what they do for fun

Social media platforms offer a window into the lives of individuals from all walks of life, but monk content is not something we come across often.

However, Ampleforth Abbey - a Benedictine abbey and monastery in North Yorkshire - has recently joined TikTok, providing an intriguing peek into monastic life. The Abbey recently encouraged its 9,000 followers to pose questions to the monks, which were then answered in informative video responses.

"Do you get paid to be a monk," one TikTok user queried. "Do I have an income as a monk? The answer to that is no I don't," one monk said. "Anything I get paid for the work I do is handed to the monastery."

He further explained that if he needs to pay for something essential, like a new pair of glasses, he must request funds from someone in the monastery and justify his need. "Then they give me the money for whatever it is I need," he added.

One person commented: "I love these videos, I used to drive past the abbey quite often for work. I enjoy finding out about your lives. Thank you for sharing." Another said: "I envy the quiet, simple life. I respect it father. May your god be with you."

However, a third TikTok user was less enthusiastic, remarking: "It all sounds very restrictive. I don't see how it could be an enjoyable life. the monks don't look happy. maybe I'm not enlightened enough to understand. maybe I'm selfish but it seems controlling."

In a follow-up video, another monk addressed queries about their social activities. "What do we get up to in our spare time and what sort of hobbies do we have? ," the monk pondered aloud.

"Some of the things I enjoyed doing were walking and dancing - I've been able to do a lot of walking since becoming a monk - in fact, I organise a lot of walking retreats," he disclosed. "It's a great opportunity to bring that into my life here."

While dancing isn't part of the monastery routine, the monk mentioned he still gets the chance at family weddings.

He added: "I think one of the things about becoming a monk is you have to say 'Yes' to Christ, but 'no' to other things. And it's how to give things up joyfully without resentment."

He concluded: "It's about being able to take on something like working in these woods, which I would never have had the chance to do before and look after these beautiful trees and the graves below me."

One TikTok user responded with admiration: "I wish the world had your peace and contentment." Another praised: "A wonderful blessed life, thank you for sharing."

However, a third mused: "Very interesting. Surely if we are designed in God's image and enjoy dancing, then God would approve of dancing? I don't fully understand why dancing would not be a positive thing."