Provener

Provener is a named hour observed inside the Mynster. It is announced by the chimes of the great clock and coincides with the duty of winding that clock. When visitors are allowed, they are positioned in the North Nave and must follow instructions under the Discipline.

First Appearance and Context

Provener comes into focus during a library exchange where a visitor asked to observe and record it; placement was arranged by the Ita and use of a recording device (a Speelycaptor) was restricted under the authority of the Warden Regulant. In a later account, after the observance concluded, the Warden Fendant crossed the chancel to take statements from avout concerning an incident that had occurred extramuros earlier the same day.

Roles/Actions and Affiliations

• Timekeeping aut: The great clock sounds Provener with audible chimes; at this hour a small team of avout wind the clock by hand.
• Liturgy and narration: Avout speak of hearing tales from The Chronicles “every day at Provener,” indicating a recurring narrative or didactic element associated with the hour.
• Visitor access: During Apert, visitors may be permitted to observe from the North Nave under supervision; the Ita handle placement and convey device limits.
• Oversight: Hierarchs may use the time surrounding Provener to address business that touches on Discipline or security, as shown when the Warden Fendant questioned participants immediately after the hour.

Relationships

• Location and setting: Held within the Mynster’s chancel, with observers—when admitted—kept to the North Nave side of the screen.
• Offices involved: The Warden Regulant oversees adherence to Discipline around devices and conduct; the Warden Fendant manages outward-facing concerns and may act promptly after the aut. The Ita coordinate practical placement of visitors.

Descriptions/Characteristics

• Regularity and team work: Accounts describe Provener as a daily observance integral to routine. The winding is done by a small team—examples show four fraas—who push and heave the mechanism together, and bell changes around the hour demand close attention from ringers.
• Public atmosphere in Apert: During Apert, onlookers in the nave and nearby spaces sometimes react audibly to delays or mishaps, underscoring that Provener is both a working duty and a visible rite.

Current Status/Location

Active and recurring within the Mynster. It remains a daily time marker that structures clock maintenance and, during Apert, a supervised point of observation for visitors; wardens may address matters immediately following the observance when circumstances warrant.