Editing Abbey (section)

== Abbeys of the Augustinian Canons ==<!--Engelbert_M%C3%BChlbacher links here-->
[[File:StBotolph'sPriory Colchester.JPG|thumb|right|200px|The nave of St Botolph's Priory, Colchester]]
The [[Canons regular#Canons Regular of Saint Augustine|Augustinian (or "Austin") canons]] were an order of [[regular clergy]] within the hierarchy of the [[Catholic church]]. They held a position between monks and secular canons. They were known as "Black canons" because of the colour of their [[Religious habit|habit]]s. In 1105 AD, the first house of the order was established at [[St Botolph's Priory]], [[Colchester]], [[Essex]].

The canons built very long [[nave]]s to accommodate large congregations. The choirs were also long. Sometimes, as at [[Llanthony Priory]] and [[Christchurch, Dorset]] (Twynham), the choir was closed from the aisles. At other abbeys of the order, such as [[Bolton Abbey]] or [[Kirkham Priory]], there were no aisles. The nave in the northern houses of the order often had only a north aisle (this is the case at Bolton, [[Brinkburn Priory]] and [[Lanercost Priory]]). The arrangement of the monastic buildings followed the ordinary plan. The prior's lodge was usually attached to the southwest angle of the nave.{{sfn|Venables|1911}}

The Austin canons' house at [[Thornton, Lincolnshire]] had a large and magnificent [[gatehouse]]. The upper floors of the gatehouse formed the guest-house. The chapter-house was octagonal in shape.{{sfn|Venables|1911}}