A study of the buildings on the bursars manors of Durham cathedral priory1270-1540

Abstract

The object of this study is to establish the range of buildings on the Bursar's manors of Durham Cathedral Priory, and their development through the period 1270 to 1540, using both the historical and the archaeological evidence. The aim was not only to study buildings individually but as part of a working system in relation to both the monastery and community. The Intention was to fill one small but important gap In our knowledge of the Priory. The agricultural systems and the ecclesiastical buildings are receiving attention; this study of the secular buildings which are the centres of their estates, complements other work and adds to the picture of the Priory's activities. Using the Bursar's building accounts, all the buildings on each manor are noted, and their building and repair considered. Attention id then turned to tie materials and methods used In their construction. Both documentary evidence and field work are used to establish and record the location of sites and the layout of buildings on the few sites with visable remains. In addition, their use and organization are examined in an attempt to show their influence on the monastery and local communities. Finally, the Bursar's manors are briefly compared with manorial buildings elsewhere in the country in order to place them in a wider context.