314 Theory as to the Origin of the Crosses 



prevailing in every other quarter, naturally inclined the population 

 of the northern counties to look with favor upon a continuance of the 

 Scottish connection. All southward of the Tyne, indeed, was held 

 probably in the name of the Empress Queen, but the influence of David 

 extended far beyond the Tees.^ 



As an illustration of the community of religious and cultural 

 interests on both sides of the Border, and the reciprocal influences 

 of southern Scotland and northern England, the abbey of Holm- 

 cultram, founded in 1150 under David's influence, if not by David 

 himself, deserves particular attention. 



The abbey of Holmcultram,- situated in the low-lying district between 

 Carlisle and the Solway, was founded as an affiUation of the great Cis- 

 tercian house of Melrose by Prince Henry, son of David, King of Scot- 

 land, in the year 1150, while he was ruler of the province ceded to Scot- 

 land by King Stephen and afterwards known as the county of Cumber- 

 land. In this great work he was assisted by Alan son of Waldeve, the 

 lord of AUerdale, Avho relinquished to the new foundation the tract of 

 territory which Henry had given him for a sporting domain. The act 

 of the prince of Scotland and his vassal was confirmed by King David. ^ 

 . . . This great abbey, which overshadowed in riches and influence 

 the rest of the religious houses in Cumberland and Westmorland, had 

 many friends and benefactors on both sides of the Border before the 

 rupture with Scotland in 1296. Endowments were freely lavished upon 

 it by landowners, large and small, in various parts of the two counties. 

 . . . The Scottish possessions were chiefly in Annandale, the fief of 

 the Brus or Bruce family, and in Galloway, the principality of Fergus. 

 Free trade with Scotland was conceded by William the Lion and free 

 passage through the Vale of Annan by Robert de Brus. The kings 

 of Man* allowed the ships of the monks to visit the ports of the island 

 and to buy and sell free of toll. . . . The abbey of Melrose was brought 

 into intimate relations Avith Holmcultram, and often exercised an effec- 

 tive jurisdiction over the affairs of the monastery. ... In various ways 

 we see the subjection of Holmcultram to the Scottish house.^ 



1 Robertson 1. 222. 



2 17 miles S. W. of Carhsle, on the river Waver. 



3 Wyntoun and Fordun say that it was founded by David (Wyntoun, 

 ed. Laing, 3. 333; Fordun 1. 347). 



* ' At one time the ships of the convent traversed the Irish Sea and carried 

 on a brisk trade with Ireland and the Isle of Man ' ( Victoria Hist. Cumh. 

 2. 167). 



6 Victoria Hist. Cumh. 2. 162-4. 



(102) 



