CHAPTER II

. THE HEAD OF THE HOUSE

Superiors usually women of social standing 42

Elections and election disputes 43

Resignations 56

Special temptations of a superior: (1) excessive independence and comfort 59 (2) autocratic government 64 (3) favouritism 66

The superior a great lady in the country side 68

Journeys 69

Luxurious clothes and entertainments 73

Picture of heads of houses in Bishop Alnwick's Lincoln visitations (1436-49) 80

Wicked prioresses 82

Good prioresses 89

General conclusion: Chaucer's picture borne out by the records 94

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