Better times From that day onwards God blessed our valleys … He multiplied
the number of the brethren and added to their possessions, spreading
out his
vine and watering it with showers of blessing. So it sent its root downwards
and bore fruit above, growing day by day and ever becoming stronger, until,
in a little while, it became a great vine.
[‘Foundation history of Fountains’ (Narratio), pp. 185-6]
Hugh’s wealth provided the necessary financial
boost to ensure the community's survival. This was spread three
ways - one part was set aside for building work, another for the
monks’ requirements, and the third was assigned for the care
of the poor; this was a fairly typical three-way division in the
Middle Ages. Fountains’ future was consolidated shortly thereafter
with the arrival of another two wealthy recruits, Serlo and Tostig,
who were canons of York Minster. The tide had now turned in Fountains’ favour.
The abbey received additional endowments – land, money and
goods – which meant that Fountains could expand and support
the growing numbers. Serlo, an aged monk of Fountains who is the
chief authority for the early history of the abbey, claims that
the fame of the abbey now spread far and wide, drawing many to
join the community as novices. Serlo himself entered Fountains
at this time and discovered what to him, was perfection:
What perfection
of life was there at Fountains! What rivalry in virtue!
What zeal for the Order! What a pattern of discipline! Our early
fathers
departed from a wealthy monastery, but they made up for all that
abundance
of worldly riches by the abundance of their virtues. They became
a spectacle
to angels and to men and studied from the first to leave that
rule of
holy religion which by the favour of God remains to this day
unimpaired.(38)
