There is much to interest the student of architecture at Kirkstall--and possibly some among the masses of people who resort there at holiday time may appreciate these sermons in stones. The principal historical interest of the abbey is associated with its foundation. It was never distinguished for its benefactions, nor for its learning, and its historical records do not enlighten one as to whether it served any useful purpose whatever. Legend tells the following story of the occupation of its site by Saleth the hermit. In obedience to a voice which bade him “Arise, go into the province called York, and there search diligently until thou findest a valley called Airedale, and a place therein called Kirkstall, where thou shalt provide a place for the future habitation of brethren to serve Jesus of Nazareth, the Saviour of the world,” Saleth, with a few others, founded a hermitage. This retreat was discovered by Alexander, former prior of Fountains, to whom had been granted by Henry de Lacy, Baron of Pontefract, land at Barnoldswick as a thank-offering for recovery from illness. The community (which he had settled at Barnoldswick) was harassed in so many ways that Alexander, its abbot, determined to seek fresh pastures--and so pleased was he with the combination of wood and stream in this particular spot of Airedale, that he begged his patron Henry to sanction the removal of the house from Barnoldswick to Kirkstall. Henry agreed readily, and after laying the foundation of the building with his own hands, continued his favours and endowments, providing subsequently for a lamp to be kept burning day and night before the high altar. After the death of de Lacy and Alexander, the monks of Kirkstall had many anxious experiences. By 1284 the community was over £4000 in debt--this sum, however, was reduced in the course of less than twenty years to £160 by the exertions of Abbot Hugh Grimstone. After the abbey was surrendered in 1540, the site and demesnes passed through various hands--among others the Saviles of Howley, the ducal house of Montague, and the Earls of Cardigan, a member of which noble family sold them to the “Nitrate King,” Colonel North, on whose suggestion, and at whose cost, they are now the property and, we trust, the proud possession of the citizens of Leeds. PART II--SOUTHERN COUNTIES CHAPTER V KENT: SURREY: SUSSEX: BERKSHIRE MINSTER: FAVERSHAM: BATTLE: CHERTSEY: READING: ABINGDON MINSTER (_Benedictine_) 710, Founded by Queen Sexburga, widow of Ercombert, King of Kent, on land given to her by her son Edward--Benedictine nuns established here--885, Danes burn the Abbey Church and disperse the nuns--1130, William de Corbeuil, Archbishop of Canterbury, restores the monastery and church--15--, Dissolved. Annual revenue, £129, 7s. 10d.--1881, Restored.