In 1131 Gilbert of Sempringham founded Sempringham Priory [Map] as a Gilbertine Priory.

In 1137, Bishop Alexander of Lincoln offered the site of Haverholme Priory, Lincolnshire [Map] to the Cistercian monks of Fountains Abbey [Map]. After two years of construction, the order rejected the site and instead established Louth Park Abbey. Haverholme was offered to Gilbert of Sempringham and his Gilbertine order, who sent nuns and brothers from Sempringham [Map] to inhabit the new buildings of what was to be a double monastery.