Cuthbert, which at first belonged to Coldingham, but was finally presented by David I. to his new Abbey of Melrose. The latter abbey was founded, in 1136, at a place then called Fordell, and was endowed by King David and his nobles with ample lands. The church then erected was in course of building for ten years. It was consecrated in 1146, and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. As only a short time had elapsed since the founding of the abbey, the buildings then constructed probably consisted of the residence of the monks and an oratory. These erections were no doubt in the Norman style of the period, of which style some examples are preserved in the other monasteries founded in the district about the same period, such as the Abbeys of Kelso, Jedburgh, and Dryburgh.[132] How long the original structures continued it is now impossible to say, as every trace of them has long since disappeared. From its situation, in the direct path between England and Scotland, Melrose was particularly exposed to danger, and frequently suffered in the wars between the two countries. Many of the abbots were distinguished men. Waltheof, an early abbot, was reputed a saint and worker of miracles. The connection with the parent house of Rievalle was kept up, and monks from Melrose sometimes became abbots of the Yorkshire monastery. Melrose also sent abbots to other Cistercian houses, including Kinloss, Coupar, Newbattle, Deer, and Balmerino. The possessions of the abbey soon increased, and it held lands in many parts of Scotland. Its property was considerably augmented, in 1235, by a grant from King Alexander II. of the lands of Ettrick Forest. In 1246 Abbot Matthew erected many convenient offices and buildings and a magnificent hall on the bank of the river for himself and his successors, but these structures have now disappeared. In 1291 Edward I. granted protection to the monks of Melrose, but when John Baliol opposed him, he took possession of their lands. These, however, he subsequently restored, on the monks doing homage to him as liege lord. His letters to the sheriffs of counties show how extensively the monastery’s lands were spread, extending even into England. These letters were addressed to the sheriffs in Berwick, Ayr, Jedburgh, Peebles, Edinburgh, Roxburgh, Dumfries, and Northumberland.