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Urban properties
(15/15)
The White Monks sought secluded sites ‘far from the haunts
of men’. Nevertheless, it was important and also necessary
to secure urban properties for trade and commerce, and to accommodate
members of the community when travelling or on business. By the late
twelfth century Kirkstall had holdings in York, most of which were
outside Micklegate Bar.(38) By the later
Middle Ages the community had gained a foothold in Leeds itself with
two houses ‘at the head
of the Fleshambles’.(39)
If the monks did not require constant access, they might lease
out their property but retain the right to stay there when needed.
This
was particularly useful during times of hardship, for it could
generate extra cash or goods. This may have been the reason for
Kirkstall
granting its messuage in Pontefract to Reiner of Pontefract in
1178, for the community faced considerable financial difficulties
at this
time. Kirkstall had received this messuage as a gift from their
patron, Robert de Lacy. By the terms of their agreement with Reiner,
the
monks retained the right to lodge here when in Pontefract and Reiner
agreed to give them a stone of wax each year.(40) <back>
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