Edinburgh Napier University

  This paper explores the potential uses of a neglected source for the history of Paisley abbey, the rental book from 1460-1550. It begins by exploring the importance of Paisley Abbey in medieval Scotland, its relations with the Cluniac order, and the wider context of accounting studies of Scotland’s religious houses. The paper then examines the rental book itself, its key features, and its history from 1550 to its appearance in the Advocates Library in the early nineteenth century. Finally, the paper suggests a number of potential avenues to explore using the rentals.