York Guides

The buildings of Fountains had now achieved a scale far exceeding any other monastery of the Order in Britain, but they did not stop growing. By the time of Abbot John of York (1203-11) the old choir and presbytery were too dark and cramped for the number of choir-monks, and their restricted plan was no longer fashionable even with the Cistercians. New plans were therefore made to provide the church with a great aisled eastern arm. Although work had only just started when Abbot John of York died, it is likely that the spectacular eastern transept called the Chapel of the Nine Altars was already envisaged, although the completion of this fell to his successors Abbot John of Hessle and Abbot John of Kent (1211-47).

Abbot John of Kent was an insatiable builder, and he was responsible for many other additions and improvements to the abbey. Under him the new eastern arm of the church was provided with the mosaic tile pavements so much favoured by the northern Cistercians at the time, the cloister alleys were rebuilt, the west guest house was extended, and the lay hospital and almonry in the outer court were enlarged. His main work was the building of the monks' infirmary, carried over the river on a series of tunnels 90 yards long and linked to the church by a gallery.