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The foundation of Roche (1/1) For, rivalling the fruitfulness of her mother,
Roche was founded in 1147, the Golden year of Cistercian expansion, but a time of civil strife in England. The foundation was a joint venture by Richard de Busli, lord of Maltby, and Richard FitzTurgis, lord of Hooten, whose lands were divided by a small brook. De Busli was lord of Tickhill Castle and held most of the manor of Maltby. Monks from Newminster Abbey in Northumberland, were sent to colonise the house. Newminster was the daughter-house of Fountains Abbey, and Roche was thus affiliated to Fountains and joined to the Clairvaux line. The two foundation charters reveal a rather unusual arrangement, by which the monks were to choose whether to settle on De Busli’s or FitzTurgis’ side of the Beck. Regardless of their decision both men would be considered equal founders. Durand and his twelve followers selected De Busli’s half, north of the Beck; this was, evidently, a good choice for the community never had to relocate. Cistercian legislation stipulated that an oratory, dormitory, guest-house and gate-house should all be erected before the arrival of a new community, and it has been suggested that lay-brothers from Newminster preceded the monks to construct these temporary huts, which may have been situated where the cloister is today.(2)
Richard de Busli and Richard FitzTurgis provided land, pasture and wood for building. The monks’ next task was one of consolidation – they had to develop the site to provide for a self-sufficient community, and secure additional gifts to support their work and expansion. |
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