The priory's new shutters

When Lyra comes to stay at the priory of Godstow, the nuns ask Mr. Taphouse to construct new, reinforced shutters; these shutters symbolize the care and attention to detail that the nuns bring to everything. Though the sisters are part of the ruling theocracy, they are on the side of 'good' and want to help shield Lyra as best they can. However, as seen by Gerard Bonneville's near success in breaking into the priory one night, new shutters only go so far as practical security measures. Rather, the shutters represent the fact that most of the sisters at the priory want to do what they feel is right, and not simply follow the decree of the Magisterium.