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Byland Abbey: History
Byland Abbey: Buildings
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Byland in the thirteenth century
Throughout the thirteenth century the abbots of Byland continued to play a prominent role in Cistercian, national and local affairs. They delegated in disputes between Cistercian houses, attended to business relating to Byland’s daughter-house of Jervaulx, and witnessed charters. For example, in c. 1219, Abbot Robert was appointed by the General Chapter to settle a dispute between Sawley and Furness.(46) Abbot Hugh was amongst the witnesses of Henry de Neville’s confirmation of the grant his mother had made to the Benedictines of St. Mary’s, York (c. 1200-1203), and ‘Abbot H’ of Byland witnessed a charter whereby Roger de Mowbray granted ten marks of rent from a mill to Gilbert Haunsard, in return for Gilbert’s homage and services.(47)
The mid-thirteenth century, however, marked a change in the abbot’s role, and he was thrust to the forefront of political affairs. The turning point was 1265, when the rebel leader, Simon de Montfort, summoned over one hundred prelates to attend his parliament at Westminster. This was a momentous occasion for previously only eleven prelates and twenty-three magnates had attended parliament. From now on the abbot of Byland, like other heads of religious houses, was considered a political figure and was expected to lend counsel and aid in these turbulent times.(48) To attend these meetings of parliament, the abbot would have had to make the arduous journey to Westminster or wherever parliament was assembled. This was not only time-consuming and expensive, but potentially dangerous with the threat of robbers lying in wait. Moreover, the abbot was expected to provide the king with subsidies (aid), when required. In October 1271 Byland received a demand for money to help finance Prince Edward ’s crusade.(49) |
