St. Robert of Newminster

Robert was a Yorkshire priest before entering the Benedictine monastery of St. Mary at York. He later joined the monks who sought a stricter common life at Fountains. Their beginning was difficult: Butler describes winter hardship, poverty and the labour by which the community supported itself.

The new monastery adopted the Cistercian observance. When a further foundation was made at Newminster in Northumberland, Robert became its abbot. He guided the monks through his own example of prayer, restraint and faithful work, and the community grew under his care.

Butler also remembers Robert’s friendship with the hermit Godric and his concern for the spiritual life of the monks entrusted to him. He died on June 7, 1159. This Robert is distinct from Robert of Molesme, another saint associated with the beginnings of the Cistercian Order.