Robert of Newminster

Robert of Newminster (–1159) was a priest, abbot, and a saint of the Catholic Church. He was born in Gargrave in Yorkshire, England. He was one of the monks who founded Fountains Abbey and is named from the abbey he founded in Morpeth, Northumberland.

Early life Robert was born in what is now the Craven District, near Skipton in North Yorkshire, probably in the village of Gargrave. He studied at the University of Paris, where he is said to have composed a commentary - since lost - on the Psalms. He became a parish priest, returning to serve Gargrave where he was made rector. He became a Benedictine joining the monks of Saint Mary's Abbey in York. A group of monks, including Robert, were expelled from York and established a monastery in a valley near Skeldale, on land given them by Archbishop Thurstan in winter 1132. The first two years were difficult and the monks struggled in extreme poverty. Initially they lived in a makeshift structure on the banks of the River Skell. Despite the hardships, the monks were known for their holiness, austerity and dedication to the strict Benedictine way of life. Their fame brought a new novice, Hugh, Dean of York, who relinquished all his wealth to the community, who built more suitable facilities. Because of the many natural springs in the area, the monastery was called Fountains Abbey. Fountains became affiliated with the Cistercian reform, which had been introduced by Bernard of Clairvaux.

Cistercian and abbot Robert was described as a devout, prayerful, and gentle man. He is known for being merciful in his judgment of others and a warm and considerate companion. He was zealous regarding his own vows of poverty.

Robert ruled and directed the monks at Newminster for 21 years. Fenham, Newcastle upon Tyne; Ada, Michigan and Shorewood, Wisconsin.

St Robert of Newminster Catholic School in Washington, Tyne and Wear is named after him.

St. Robert School in Sacramento, CA is also named after him.

There is a St Robert of Newminster Parish and Primary School in Aberkenfig, Bridgend South Wales.

St. Robert Catholic School in Ada, MI, is a brand new Catholic school, that opened in August 2018. The school opened with 2, 3, and 4 year old preschool classes as well as a kindergarten class. Each year, the school will add a grade until it is full with preschool through 8th grade students.