Founded in 1158 or earlier,[8] the priory was inhabited by a small group of nuns credited with being the first people to farm sheep commercially in the region - a quintessentially Cistercian practice driven by the order's desire to live "far from the concourse of men".

Another record reprimands the nuns for financial mismanagement and urges them not to give away so much in aid to the poor that they bankrupt themselves.

[12] but there are also suspiciously well-carved lintels built into garden walls, and sheds with well-cut ashlar stone.

They speak more of the Victorian sensibilities prevalent at the time that the population of the village soared but may well have mimicked traditions set out by the priory.

It is worth noting too that there is evidence that the local water-courses have been carefully managed – another common feature of Cistercian landscapes – and that there is a Monastic grange in Rosedale.

Tourism in the area has developed into a major industry, with many smaller properties renovated for private holiday homes or as self-catering accommodation.

Recently a local parish council election attracted candidates opposed to the construction of affordable housing close to their properties.