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The care of sheep
On a day to day basis, the Beaulieu bercarius was responsible for the construction and repair of buildings used by the sheep and shepherds, for the digging of dykes, the draining of fields, and the cutting and stacking hay for winter use. He also had to tend the horses, to pay and feed the labourers and to make the sacks for the wool. (65) Whilst no such in depth-account survives for Fountains Abbey, the mid-fifteenth century 'Bursar's Book' offers some insight to the nature of sheep-farming at Fountains at this time. It records, for instance, purchases made by the master of the sheep (magister ovium) which included iron, nails, wine and a pair of steps. (66)
A considerable amount of tar was bought, for this was mixed with grease to make sheep-salve, and each shepherd carried a pot of this with him, as well as a crook and shears.(67) The abbot and convent of Fountains were responsible for supplying the keepers of Warsill grange with tar and salve for the sheep, whenever it was required.(68) Once the wool had been washed it was passed to the wardrobekeeper and his assistant.
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