What's your perception of monasteries

When I think of monasteries I think of bald monks with orange robes.

I think of quiet and peace and simplicity.

Islands of learning through a dark age... They kept the lights on ...

I see them as places of study and deep reflection. In another time I might have been in one.

Youo might be interested to visit Repton.
The school was created out of the remains of a monastery and some of the old buildings remain.
The Saxon parish church crypt is worth a visit.
also St Guthlac & St Wystan there.

Cannot remember all the details as it is some time since my visit.

In the UK they are mainly a historical memory. The physical buildings tend to be picturesque ruins or incorporated into private houses.

Pretentious Religious Prisons for profit imo