What was an Augustinian Grange? The Evidence from Bolton Priory’s Estates

Abstract A pioneering article by T.A.M. Bishop outlined the characteristics of granges of Augustinian canons in Yorkshire. This article seeks to test Bishop’s criteria by examination of the granges of Bolton Priory. It first outlines the features of Cistercian granges – a novel form of land management in the twelfth century – then the contrasting ideals of the Augustinians. It points to the imprecise terminology used by the canons of Bolton Priory, which makes it difficult to distinguish between manors and granges on the priory’s estates. It then uses the Bolton evidence to challenge the defining criteria in Bishop’s argument. It concludes that Bishop’s criteria have only limited applicability to Bolton’s estates, and that it is ultimately questionable whether a typical Augustinian grange existed at all.