Robert was born in the district of Craven, near Skipton in North Yorkshire. In his childhood, he was an enemy to the usual amusements of that age, loving only prayer, serious reading, and useful and pious employments. Robert studied at the University of Paris, where he is said to have composed a commentary on the Psalms.

He became a parish priest, returning to serve Gargrave, where he was made rector. He became a Benedictine, joining the monks of Saint Mary's Abbey in York.

In 1132, a group of monks including Robert were sent out from York and they established a monastery called the Fountains, in a valley near Skeldale, on a piece of land given by Archbishop Thurstan. The first two years were difficult and the monks struggled in extreme poverty. Despite the hardships, they were known for their holiness, austerity and dedication to the strict Benedictine way of life.

Robert was described as a devout, prayerful, and gentle man. He was zealous regarding his own vows of poverty. In 1138 he headed a group of monks who were sent out from Fountains to establish Newminster Abbey.

Abbot Robert was said to have the gift of prophecy and miracles. During his abbacy three colonies of monks were sent out and monasteries were founded in Pipewell (1143), Roche (1147) and Sawley (1148).

St. Robert completed his earthly mission and had a happy death on the 7th of June, 1159.

Other Saints of the Day
1. Saint Willibald
2. Saint Anthony Mary Gianelli
3. Saint Paul of Constantinople
4. Saint Peter
5. Saint Deochar

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