Laundry at the Lavra’s Inn

Did you know that Kyiv-Pechersk monastery had its own laundry? Yes, it was part of the Lavra’s inn and its maintenance costed 5,000 rubles, as of 1880.

The money was spent for the needs of thirty laundresses (temporarily working women) and two water carriers, selected from among the novices. Besides, that finance resources were also used to buy rye flour, millet, salt, oil as well as sturgeon, butter and cheese – to set the table on holidays. Moreover, overcoats, fabric for scrolls, gloves, shoes, boots and other goods appeared in the Monastery thanks to that money too.

Two horses had to be fed on an on-going basis. That is why oats and hay for them were bought annually. To add, money was needed to keep good eye on horses’ harness, carts, sleighs with barrels, kerosene for lighting, fuel to heat the laundry during winter time. Besides, water in the boilers had to be constantly heated for washing; soap, dishes, tubs, tables, boilers, etc. were also purchased. What is more, laundry premises faced in-line repairing works from time to time.

Linen (shirts, underpants, sheets, pillowcases, towels, stockings, bathrobes, blankets, caps, night houves and aprons) from Lavra’s hospital for pilgrims, which had 73 beds at that time, was changed every Saturday and washed.

Anna Yanenko

Captions to the illustrations:

1. View of  Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra. The first 3^rd of the 20^th century. [Archives of the Fund Documentation of the National Art Museum of Ukraine, collection of negatives and photographs, box 5, № 16]