| Summary: | Focussing upon the monastic sites of Þingeyraklaustur and Helgafellsklaustur, palynological data are utilised to explore the role of Icelandic monasticism with regard to vegetation change and land use in the Medieval period. Consideration is also given to two farms, Ásbjarnarnes and Helgadalur, that were tenancies of monasteries. Vegetation change at all sites is evaluated against the settlement of Iceland, European monasticism, plague, Reformation, and the prevailing climate of the time. Pollen data are supplemented with sedimentary data and set within a chronological framework constructed through a combination of known tephra layers and 14C or Plutonium (Pu) dating. The relative precision of tephrochronology allows palynological data to be cross-referenced with historical sources. The foundation of both monasteries is visible in the pollen record, with subsequent land use focussed upon pastoralism. There is a hiatus at Þingeryraklaustur due to plague in the 15th century, with continuity at Helgafellsklaustur, both findings in keeping with the historical record. With regard to the tenancies, no direct monastic influence is discerned at Helgadalur, with haymaking a primary activity. At Ásbjarnarnes, there is evidence of woodland management, perhaps influenced by Þingeyraklaustur. There is no evidence of disruption associated with the Lutheran Protestant Reformation at any of the four sites. Further findings have allowed for some comparison between the four sites with regard to vegetation and climate, palaeoecological change associated with human colonisation, and the pre-monastic era. There is also pollen evidence of exotic plants with medicinal and/or culinary applications at Helgafell, introduced prior to the foundation Helgafellsklaustur. Rannsókn þessi beinir sjónum að áhrifum klausturhalds á gróðurbreytingar og landnotkun á miðöldum. Til rannsóknar voru tvær klausturjarðir, Helgafell og Þingeyrar, auk Ásbjarnarness og Helgadals sem voru jarðir í eigu klaustra. Gróðurbreytingar voru metnar í samhengi við ...
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