Prior to his elevation to the abbacy of Rievaulx,
Ernald had presided as abbot of Melrose, Rievaulx’s daughter-house
in Scotland. There, he had accompanied the bishop of Glasgow on
several important journeys, including visits to Rome and to Henry
II (1154-89). Ernald attended Richard I’s coronation in 1189
and throughout his abbacy he represented and participated in affairs
relating to the Order and the locality.