Glossary

Abbot

The abbot was the head of the community and presided over the abbey; the head of a priory was known as the prior. This was an important position and it often helped if the abbot was an able administrator, who could manage and oversee the abbey’s lands, estates and business affairs, and also deal with any litigation pertaining to the monastery. The abbot was the father of the community, the shepherd who led his flock.