Monastic grange

Monastic granges were outlying landholdings held by monasteries 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. There were six known types of grange: agrarian; sheep runs; cattle ranges and holdings; horse studs; fisheries; and industrial complexes. Industrial granges were significant in the development of medieval industries, particularly iron working.