leeve Abbey was founded by William, Earl of Roumare, for Cistercian monks at the end of the twelfth century. His grandfather was William de Roumare, Earl of Lincoln who founded the Cistercian abbey of Revesby. The Name Roumare was taken from Roumare near Rouen where he was Lord. The abbey was initially called Vallis Florida, but has been mostly known as Cleeve Abbey where the abbey was built. Apart from the church which was destroyed during the Dissolution of the monasteries, the abbey is well preserved, and has an intact dortor (dormitory).