Meadow Door

First Appearance and Context

The Meadow Door is first noted when a Ten-year avout approaches the Mynster across the meadow, choosing this entrance to bypass crowds on the main stairways during Provener. The door faces the meadow that separates the Decenarian grounds from those of the Centenarians (Hundreders), within the wider concent.

Structure and Features

Set into a masonry arch grafted onto native rock at the base of the Mynster’s plinth, the Meadow Door opens to a short flight of stone steps that rise to the level of the main floor. Beyond the threshold lies a sequence of small, utilitarian storerooms where vestments and ceremonial objects are kept when not in use, after which passages lead into the southwest quarter used by the Ten-year math.

Relationships and Functions

• Provides a practical alternative to the crowded processional approaches for those coming from the meadow side, especially during Provener.
• Connects the exterior meadow to interior circulation serving the Decenarian community, leading into the asymmetrical southwest corner used by Tenners.
• Lies opposite the meadow tended on the other side by the Centenarians (also called the Hundreders), which underlines its role as an access point from the Decenarian side of the grounds.

Current Status

In regular use as a minor, service-style entrance. It is occasionally favored by avout approaching from the meadow or wishing to avoid congestion on the main stairs. Its specific operating hours or restrictions have not been stated.