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Urban properties (15/15) The White Monks sought secluded sites ‘far from the haunts of men’. Nevertheless, it was important and also necessary to secure urban properties for trade and commerce, and to accommodate members of the community when travelling or on business. By the late twelfth century Kirkstall had holdings in York, most of which were outside Micklegate Bar.(38) By the later Middle Ages the community had gained a foothold in Leeds itself with two houses ‘at the head of the Fleshambles’.(39) If the monks did not require constant access, they might lease out their property but retain the right to stay there when needed. This was particularly useful during times of hardship, for it could generate extra cash or goods. This may have been the reason for Kirkstall granting its messuage in Pontefract to Reiner of Pontefract in 1178, for the community faced considerable financial difficulties at this time. Kirkstall had received this messuage as a gift from their patron, Robert de Lacy. By the terms of their agreement with Reiner, the monks retained the right to lodge here when in Pontefract and Reiner agreed to give them a stone of wax each year.(40)
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