This book explores the dramatic growth of the monastic order in Yorkshire.

Preface; List of abbreviations; Table of monastic foundations in Yorkshire, by order, congregation or type; Maps; Introduction; Part I. The Dynamics of Expansion: 1. From hermitage to abbey: the black monks in Yorkshire; 2. Alien monks and Cluniac priories; 3. The regular canons; 4. The surest road to heaven: the coming of the Cistercians; 5. Religious women; Part II. The Life Within and the World Outside: 6. The monastic world; 7. Founders, patrons and benefactors; 8. Monasteries and the landscape; 9. Financing the monastery: the management of economic resources; 10. Cultural influences and identities; Conclusion; Select bibliography; Index.