monzengō 門前郷

A type of settlement of lesser officials and servants which developed around the precincts of great shrines and temples during the Heian and mediaeval periods. Unlike the *monzenmachi 門前町, which catered to the needs of pilgrims and visitors, the monzengō was part of the temple or shrine estate and accommodated the lesser officials and servants of the institution, and their families. Often the inhabitants had no right to sell or dispose of their plots freely, as these were inherited by mutual agreement with the shrine or temple, or provided as a grant. The monzengō which developed around Kōfukuji 興福寺 and Tōdaiji 東大寺 in Nara during the 11-12th century are well-known examples. Also referred to as a shimengō 四面郷.