How were guests provided for during their stay, and to what extent did they interact with the monastic community? These questions are not easily answered for whilst the customaries and statutes shed some light on the care of guests, particularly religious guests and prelates who often joined the community in the refectory, they reveal little about how visitors passed their time and the nature of facilities in the guesthouse. Archaeological evidence and standing remains can disclose much about the size and grandeur of the guest lodgings and their location in the precinct, but more personal details are scarce. Alexander of Neckam's recommendations in his treatise, De Sacerdos ad altare, which was written c. 1199–1210, offers a rare and sensual insight into the décor of the guest complex. In chapter 4 of this treatise Alexander discusses monastery fittings and a section on guest lodgings underlines the need to create a warm, welcoming and clean environment. Alexander emphasises the importance of showing guests generosity and cheeriness, so that those visiting the monastery might leave with a favourable impression of the house. He advises the monks to offer plenty of fresh, appetising food. As a rule of thumb, they ought to serve nothing that might cause offence to respectable folk.