29. Yorkshire.- Byland Abbey. Charter, grant by Michael, son of John of Denby, of 1 carucate and a whole tenement in Denby to the abbey and convent of Byland Abbey, manuscript in Latin, on vellum, written in red ink, 11 lines, folds, slightly soiled, dorse pressmark of Byland Abbey on verso, without seal, 123 x 239mm., [mid thirteenth century].
est. £750 – £1000
There are records of several members of this family making grants to the monks of Byland Abbey. See Cartulary of Byland Abbey, edited by Janet Burton, vol. 208, no. 253, 2004.
Byland Abbey was one of the most famous Cistercian foundations in England along, with Fountains and Rievaulx. Originally founded as a Savignac house in 1134, it was brought within the Cistercian community after the Savignac movement was absorbed by them in 1147. The abbey became wealthy on its rearing of sheep and the export of wool. At the dissolution the abbey was valued at £238 9s 4d.