New research has shed light on 16th and 17th century Catholic monks in England and Wales who rebelled in more ways than just their faith.
A study conducted at the University of Durham found some got into trouble for drinking too much, one died in a duel and another joined a monastery after accidentally killing his brother.
Speaking about those who broke monastery rules concerning alcohol, Dr James Kelly told Premier: "They weren't actually banned from drinking but, at particular times, they would follow a fasting routine.
"This meant cutting back on certain food, particularly meat but also alcohol. We do have a couple of cases where monks rebelled against this."
One was William Davies, or Brother Marcus, who was imprisoned in a monastery granary for refusing to obey rules on abstaining from alcohol.
The Monks in Motion project also concluded that there were around 900 Benedictine monks in England and Wales during the two hundred year period. The figure is higher than previous estimates of around 600.
The men travelled to continental Europe where they became monks and founded monasteries, before returning to Britain to carry out their ministry.
Dr Kelly added: "It is a significant increase and it means that they're a pretty well-represented minority opinion within English catholic circles certainly, but also a voice within the English religious elements."
Catholicism was effectively illegal from the reign of Elizabeth I to 1791 - during the so-called Penal period. Catholic monks risked being hung, drawn and quartered.
Another monk noted in the research was John Mannock (Brother Anselm) who turned to religion after accidentally dropping a cannon ball which killed his brother.
Monks in Motion brought together records from locations including Ampleforth Abbey, Downside Abbey and Douai Abbey (pictured above).
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