The twelfth century saw significant changes to the administrative and social organisation of the monastery. The growing withdrawal of the abbot from communal life meant that he might have his own quarters and household, and was frequently absent from the monastery leaving the prior in command. Related to this was the division of revenues between the abbot and convent, a lengthy process that began in a number of houses from the mid-twelfth century. There was an increase also in the number of monastic officials appointed who might now be assigned independent revenues and delegate much of their work to lay assistants. These developments had significant implications for the administration of hospitality and Benedict's prescriptions in his Rule were adapted to suit contemporary needs. This was not a contravention of the Rule for Benedict had envisaged that this should be a beginning, a framework that communities could modify according to their needs and circumstances.

These changes to monastic organisation meant that from the twelfth century the abbot and convent might each be made responsible for a specific group or groups of visitors, whom they were to receive, accommodate and finance during their stay.