the abbey was founded by robert fitzranulph de alfreton. thomas tanner, writing in 1695, stated that it was founded in 1183. however, samuel pegge in his "history of beauchief abbey" noted that albinas, the abbot of derby, who was one of the witnesses to the charter of foundation, died in 1176, placing foundation before that date. the abbey was dedicated to saint mary and saint thomas becket, who had been canonised in 1172. tanner stated that robert fitzranulf was one of the murderers of thomas becket and founded the abbey to expiate his guilt. pegge also disputed this fact, showing that robert fitzranulf had no connection with the murder.