Prices from the Durham Obedientiary Account Rolls, 1278–1367

Durham Cathedral's obedientiary account rolls, spanning 1278–1367, reveal the economic dynamics of medieval northern England, offering a rare glimpse into the aristocratic consumption patterns of one of the largest households beyond York. The study highlights how the priory balanced self-sufficiency with market dependence, purchasing goods ranging from food and drink to textiles, building materials, and draught animals—many sourced commercially despite its extensive estates. While wool and hides sales are notable, most records reflect monastic household expenditures, including high-value items like liveries and specialized fabrics. This research underscores the priory's sophisticated economic interactions, contrasting regional resilience with broader medieval trade networks.

Gemmill, E. (2015). Prices from the Durham Obedientiary Account Rolls, 1278–1367. Money, Prices and Wages, 74–93. https://doi.org/10.1057/9781137394026_5