THE YEARS OF GROWTH 1135–1153

Nothing in the history of the Cistercian order, whether in the land of its origin or in the British Isles, is more striking than the rapidity with which it increased and multiplied both in the number of its subjects and in its new foundations. This widespread increase, which was not confined to any one district of England, has often caused astonishment to modern readers. It is indeed truly remarkable that in a country already containing so many great estates in the hands of monks, where other religious foundations, such as those of canons and nuns, were also multiplying at the same time—and that too in decades marked by bitter civil strife—so many benefactors should have been found to establish the white monks on their lands. Further reflection, however, may help in some measure to modify our astonishment. To found a Cistercian house, it must be remembered, was a far less onerous undertaking than to found a black monk abbey. The latter, if it were to be set in running order, needed, besides a large group of buildings furnished with some elaboration, an extensive group of manors already fully exploited and sufficient to bring in produce and revenues for the support of monks, servants and dependents and for the upkeep of church, buildings, library and the rest. Such a gift, with its alienation of income and rights, meant a serious sacrifice to a benefactor.