This had its origins in 1105 when Vitalis of
Mortain established a hermitage in the forest of Savigny. The community
later followed the Benedictine Rule, wore grey habits and founded
daughter-houses. By 1147 the Order was experiencing financial and
administrative problems, prompting the head of the Savigniacs, Abbot
Serlo of Savigny, to approach the General
Chapter of Cîteaux in 1147,
seeking the absorption of his congregation. His request was accepted
and this brought fourteen houses in England and Wales within the
Cistercian family. Each of the newly affiliated houses was surveyed,
checked and illuminated with the Cistercian way of life.