Monastic granges were outlying landholdings held by monasteries[1] independent of the manorial system. The first granges were owned by the Cistercians, and other orders followed. Wealthy monastic houses had many granges, most of which were largely agricultural providing food for the monastic community. A grange might be established adjacent to the monastery, but others were established wherever it held lands, some at a considerable distance. Some granges were worked by lay-brothers belonging to the order, others by paid labourers.[2]
Granges could be of six known types: agrarian; sheep runs; cattle ranges and holdings; horse studs; fisheries; industrial complexes. Industrial granges were significant in the development of medieval industries, particularly iron working.[2]
- ^ Definition of grange in English, OED, archived from the original on 19 February 2018, retrieved 4 July 2017
- ^ a b Historic England, "Iron mining shaft mounds and medieval earthworks south of Bentley Grange Farm (1005786)", National Heritage List for England, retrieved 4 July 2017