Abbot Silvan (Sylvanus)
of Rievaulx (1167-88, resigned)
When Silvan, formerly abbot of Rievaulx’s
daughter-house at Dundrennan, succeeded to the abbacy at Rievaulx,
he successfully sustained the expansion of the abbey’s lands
in the near and remote vicinity, and attracted new patrons.
Silvan played a prominent role in local and national affairs, acting
on behalf of the Order, the king and the pope. For example, he
was sent to Scotland to arbitrate in a dispute over the bishopric
of St Andrews.
Silvan retired to Byland Abbey where he died in 1189.
