In an opening of the forest near the river Dart a small band of Cistercian monks built an abbey for their order in the 12th century, hoping in the seclusion of the spot to be free from the prevalent disturbances of those early times. The name Buckfastleigh implies a spot where deer may safely venture to drink, “buckfast”--the fastness of the deer--and “leigh”--a lea or pasture,--and is probably symbolical also of the peace and quiet so essential to the retired lives led by the holy men of old. The actual beginning of this religious house reaches back into antiquity, and in the course of its long history it has twice changed its order of rule. In the Saxon time it was subjected to Benedictine sway, after the Conquest it was refounded for Cistercian monks, and lastly, some years ago, a mansion was built on a portion of the site which has since been inhabited by Benedictine brothers from France who have partially rebuilt the old abbey. The remains of the 12th century building are somewhat insignificant. They are situated on the north side of the village on the right bank of the river, and consist of a tower covered with ivy, and a large tithe barn, together with a Saxon crypt. A woollen factory now occupies part of the abbey site, and in connection with this fact it is interesting to note that trading in wool was an important source of revenue in the days of the Cistercians. Still further back the woollen fabrics of Rome had obtained special excellence, and in time, the Roman manufactures were carried to the countries in which Roman colonies had been established. In England the making of woollen cloths was introduced by the Romans, but it was in the hands of a few only. The Cistercians at Buckfastleigh were all wool-traders, and to this day there is a road called “Abbot’s Way”--said to be the former post road by which the wool of the community was conveyed to Plymouth for export. PART III--EASTERN COUNTIES CHAPTER VII LINCOLNSHIRE: SUFFOLK: ESSEX CROYLAND: THORNTON: SWINESHEAD: BURY ST EDMUNDS: WALTHAM CROYLAND (_Mitred Benedictine_) 716, Founded in the isle of Croyland by Ethelbald, King of Mercia, in memory of St Guthlac--870, Church and monastery destroyed by the Danes--948, The abbey rebuilt and re-endowed by King Edred--1060, A new church begun by Abbot Ultcyter--1091, New church destroyed by fire--1113, Restored by Abbot Geoffrey, subsequently becoming a mitred abbey of great magnificence--15--, Dissolved. Annual revenue, £1082, 15s. 10d.