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The foundation of Kirkstall: from Barnoldswick to Kirkstall (3/3) The patronage of Kirkstall
Patronage of Kirkstall Abbey rested with the founder, Henry de Lacy (right), and his successors until at least 1310, when, with the death of the last male heir, the Lacy lands and patronage of the abbey passed to the earls of Lancaster. Henry of Lancaster’s daughter, Blanche, married Edward III’s son, John of Gaunt; their son and successor was Henry IV (1399-1413) and through him patronage of the abbey passed to the king of England with whom it remained until the Dissolution. Both abbey and patron benefited from this relationship. The community had in its patron a supporter and protector, one who might provide financial aid and negotiate on the monks’ behalf. It was Earl Roger de Lacy who helped the community reclaim its rights in Micklethwaite during King John’s reign (1199-1216), and Earl Henry of Lincoln who was appointed to help the abbey through its financial difficulties of the late thirteenth century; in 1395 John of Gaunt helped to negotiate Kirkstall’s purchase of property in England that had belonged to the Norman abbey of Aumale.(9) Whilst patrons of Cistercian abbeys enjoyed fewer privileges than those of Benedictine houses – they had no say in the election of the abbots and were not entitled to revenue when the abbot’s office remained vacant - the position was nonetheless attractive. Spiritual and worldly benefits included the right of burial within the precinct, prayers and masses to help one’s soul in this life and the next; in 1258 the abbot and community of Kirkstall petitioned the General Chapter for permission to celebrate a yearly anniversary for their founders. Furthermore, the patron was accorded prestige on ceremonial occasions such as installations, feasts and dedications, and, since the patronage of an abbey was something of a status symbol, this was likely to enhance his standing amongst his peers. |
