The place of burial held particular significance for the medieval lay community; choosing one's burial site was a serious consideration and not one to be taken lightly. At the heart of choosing a burial place lay the concern of the laity for the welfare of their souls after their death, and they recognised that central to the salvation of their souls were the prayers of those whose lives were dedicated to this purpose. The founders and patrons of religious houses therefore had the great fortune of being able to avail themselves of perpetual intercessory services through their inherited right to be buried in the monasteries and nunneries of their foundation.

Burial in the precinct of their monastery was thus an important privilege for the founders and early patrons of the English and Welsh monasteries and one, judging by their wills, which was highly prized and considered very carefully. To be buried within the conventual church or buildings of their religious houses was seen as providing particular physical proximity to the prayers of the monks and hence the greatest possible spiritual benefits, since the prayers of the religious community were believed to help reduce a sinner's suffering in purgatory, which presented a very real threat to the medieval laity. In fact, burial in any religious establishment was greatly sought after, but to be interred in one's own family monastery had some particular, additional advantages for its founders and patrons.