Richard, abbot of Fountains

Wise in counsel, discreet in judgement, careful in those matters which are of God and of no mean learning in the holy scriptures. (1)

Richard was the founding abbot of Fountains, who had previously officiated as prior of the Benedictine abbey of St Mary’s, York. Richard led the community through difficult times and successfully fulfilled his role as the first abbot. He died in 1139 en route to Rome, where he was buried.