Fouded in 1127 by Stephen Count of Boulogne, later King Stephen of England, Furness Abbey, originally Savigniac, grew to be the second most prosperous Cistercian Abbey in England, second only to Fountains in Yorkshire. The Abbey's wealth was generated primarily by its access to substantial iron depsoits and its expertise raising sheep in Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire where it had substantial lands. The geographical extent of the ruins rivals Rievaulx and Fountains although less has survived. Because of its geographical isolation it enjoyed great freedom. In 1535 its net income was assessed as greater than £800, well in excess of the £200 ceiling for the suppression of the minor religious houses. Nonetheless it surrendered to the king in 1537 after being accused of aggitating during the Pilgrimage of Grace.