William and Ivestta de Arches founded Nunmonckton for their daughter Maud, who became its first abbess. (William and Juette or Ivette of Arches.)
The community was probably for the usual 12 nuns under a prioress. It probably contain the statutory number, but no exact figures have been found (Medieval Religious Houses in England and Wales, 216).
There were numerous visitations, including one in 1397 which resulted in allegations being made against the prioress, Margaret Fayrfax, who was accused of wearing silks and furs, alienating a great deal of lumber, and spending too much time along with male companions. She was also accused of entertaining John Monkton in her room and overindulging in drink with him.
The community's assets were mainly in land holdings. They had 6 carucates of land in Monkton and half a carucate in Kirk Hammerton.
They received income from the Church of Thorp Arch. Kirk Hamerton, Askham Richard. In 1535 the community's net income was valued at over 72 pounds.
Medieval Religious Houses in England and Wales, 216.
Women Religious: The Founding of English Nunneries After the Norman Conquest
Dugdale's Monasticon Volume 4
Nunnery of Monketon, or Nun-Monkton, in Yorkshire
The Victoria History of the County of York3:122-23 available online at ">http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=36230&strquery=nun%2... Victoria County History]
The Arches family was responsible for the foundation of Nun Monkton priory as well as Nunkeeling and Nun Appleton.
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