Sawtry Abbey [SEP] religious order
Sawtry Abbey
Sawtry Abbey was a Cistercian abbey located between Sawtry and Woodwalton in Cambridgeshire, England. The abbey was founded in 1147 by Simon II de Senlis, Earl of Northampton, who was the grandson of Earl Waltheof and Judith, the niece of William the Conqueror who held the manor when the Domesday Survey was compiled. It is the only Cistercian abbey in the county.
A colony of monks from Wardon Abbey in Bedfordshire joined the new monastery, which was founded as an independent abbey. Due to its proximity to
Sawtry Abbey on Olifard's lands in 1147. William Olifard is a witness to this foundation charter. Sawtry is the only known property to have been held by David Olifard in England.
The nearest public house to the site of the ruins of Sawtry Abbey, in a village called Woodwalton is called "The Elephant and Castle" although nobody knows why. In 1391 Sawtry Abbey was granted a messuage and one carucate of land in Woodwalton. It could be a pun on Olifard and their residence.
In the 12th century