its early history was marked by disputes with no fewer than four other religious establishments: (furness abbey, calder abbey, rievaulx abbey and newburgh priory). however, once it had overcome this bad start, it was described in the late 14th century as "one of the three shining lights of the north". its financial success was not as great as that of places like rievaulx, but it was famed for its sheep rearing and wool exports. its church was said to be among the finest 12th-century churches in europe.