Lancs, on the shore of Morecambe Bay

Abbey of St Mary

Began as a hospital under a master and 2 brethren, founded by Hugh Garth, a hermit, the principal benefactor being William of Lancaster II (died 1184);  the site was on lands granted to Leicester Abbey 1153-6 by William of Lancaster I (died c. 1170);  the hospital became a Premonstratensian priory affiliated to Croxton, before 1190.  Theobald Walter increased the endowments c. 1192 to erect an abbey.  Definitely under an abbot, with full complement of canons, by 1199.

Had a daughter at Preston Patrick

Disputes with Leicester Abbey over tenure continued until 104/5 or later, and canons appear to have considered building their abbey elsewhere.  Some may have been settled at Tuam in Ireland in 1204 by William de Burgh, brother of Hubert who was a great benefactor of the order in England

Early 13th century building plans are extant.  It had square-ended aisleless presbytery with solid walls dividing the transeptal chapels originally, turning to open arches with screens between the chapels later.  Chapter house is 13th century octagon with a central pillar.  Church was 170 ft long by nearly 80ft across transepts with added chapel 36 ft x 17 ft east of the N arm.  Cloister was 72 ft x 66 ft.  Refectory stair in SW angle of cloister.  Ground floor of E range was warming house.  Traces of infirmary were found in excavation   (CLAPHAM)

Daughter:  Tongland 1218.  Dependent:  Warburton

Before 1218:  26 or more canons;  1369:  14 canons;  1381:  13;  1500:  22; 1536:  21

Hospital continued as part of the abbey:  in 1536 15 poor men were maintained there and there were 2 corrody holders

‘The abbey suffered from inroads of the sea’