As a result , the clerks who had taken holy orders worked on the farm , as well as providing clergy for surrounding churches .
They were Victorine Canons who were influenced by the Cistercians emphasis on manual labour and self - sufficiency .
The clerks who had taken holy orders worked on the farm , as well as providing clergy for surrounding churches .
They were Victorine Canons who were influenced by the Cistercians emphasis on manual labour and self - sufficiency .