dunbrody cistercian abbey

The Abbey was founded for the Cistercians between 1175 and 1178 by Hervey de Montemarisco, uncle of Strongbow and Marshal of Henry II, and he became its first abbot. But the work of building was largely carried out by Hervey's nephew, Herlewin, Bishop of Leighlin. The ownership of the Abbey was much disputed during the earlier 14th century, but in 1342 it was finally decided that it belonged to St. Mary's Abbey in Dublin from whence the original Cistercian monks had probably come to Dunbrody. During the course of this dispute, Philip de Churchill, the abbot, was deposed because of insubordination, and because he refused to submit to an inspection of his monastery by monks from St. Mary's Abbey in Dublin. Edward III seized the Abbey and its possessions in 1348 because the monks refused to exercise hospitality or give alms. Shortly afterwards it was made independent of St. Mary's, and in 1374 Gregory XI allowed the abbot were a mitre and raised him to the dignity of being a Lord of Parliament.