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The foundation of Roche
(1/1)
For, rivalling the fruitfulness of her mother,
she (Newminster) conceived and brought
forth three daughters, Pipewell,
Salley and Roche.(1)
Roche was founded in 1147, the Golden
year of Cistercian expansion, but a time of civil strife in England.
The foundation was a joint venture by Richard de Busli, lord of
Maltby, and Richard FitzTurgis, lord of Hooten, whose lands were
divided by a small brook. De Busli was lord of Tickhill Castle and
held most of the manor of Maltby. Monks from Newminster
Abbey in Northumberland, were sent to colonise the house. Newminster
was the daughter-house of Fountains
Abbey, and Roche was thus affiliated to Fountains and joined to
the Clairvaux line.
The two foundation charters reveal
a rather unusual arrangement, by which the monks were to choose
whether to settle on De Buslis or FitzTurgis side of
the Beck. Regardless of their decision both men would be considered
equal founders. Durand
and his twelve followers selected De Buslis half, north of
the Beck; this was, evidently, a good choice for the community never
had to relocate. Cistercian legislation stipulated that an oratory,
dormitory, guest-house and gate-house should all be erected before
the arrival of a new community, and it has been suggested that lay-brothers
from Newminster preceded the monks to construct these temporary
huts, which may have been situated where the cloister is today.(2)
Let it be known to all who see or hear
this charter that I, Richard FitzTurgis, with the consent
of my wife and heirs, have given to God and St Mary, and
to the monks of the Rock (Roche), for the salvation of my
soul...
[Read
more from Richard FitzTurgis foundation
charter 30 July 1147]
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Richard de Busli and Richard FitzTurgis
provided land, pasture and wood for building. The monks next
task was one of consolidation they had to develop the site
to provide for a self-sufficient community, and secure additional
gifts to support their work and expansion.
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