What set the Cistercian order apart from other monastic movements in the twelfth century?

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The speed, extent and tenacity of Cistercian expansion was by all accounts extraordinary, and one that seemed to differ greatly from the other monastic movements of the twelfth century. Their growth from one to seven foundations, to more than three hundred in the space of fifty years was almost entirely unexpected by contemporary standards. However, when one delves into the history of the order and looks at the factors that differentiated it from other similar monastic institutions of the same period one begins to see a number of portentous factors that undoubtedly contributed to such explosive growth.

Perhaps one reason for Cistercian expansion was the “Social Catholicity” of it’s appeal. This was something that differed greatly from other Benedictine establishments of the time, for example Cluny. Early Cistercians wished to roll back the centuries of monastic development that had, in their view, tarnished Benedictine rule. Cistercians had a unwavering belief in the pure simplicity of St. Benedict’s plan, something that was simply not present in other monastic institutions of the twelfth century who wished to embrace the changes that had taken place. This stance was applied to all aspects of life, such as dress, food, buildings and furniture. Cistercian conviction was entirely steadfast. St. Bernard of Clairvaux’s main complaint against Peter the Venerable (and the Cluniacs in a more general sense) was that they simply did not adhere strictly enough to the rule of St. Benedict. Something one could certainly argue was true. The Cistercian statues decreed that the rule of St. Benedict was nothing other than the pure gospel of Christ , as such it was crucial that the original ideal was kept as free from the ideological erosion th...

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...tional meaning tithes, rents, donations of benefactors etc.

P.253, Western Society and the Church in the middle ages, R.W. Southern.

P.190, Medieval Monasticism, C.H. Lawrence.

P.260, Western Society and the Church in the middle ages, R.W. Southern

P.174, Medieval Monasticism, C.H. Lawrence

1152-lighting reduced to two candles, 1157-Construction of towers forbidden, End of 12th Century-Colour scheme redefined.

P.6, Cistercian Architectural Purism, Francois Bucher.

The chevet allowed for an indefinite increase of Altars while the adaptable nave gave way for often large numbers of Conversi to be accommodated for.

P.13, Cistercian Architectural Purism, Francois Bucher.

Romanesque architecture had reached it’s peak and the new Gothic style was gaining prevalence in the ile de France.

P.21, Cistercian Architectural Purism, Francois Bucher.

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