The continued growth of the monastery fueled the idea of finding new sites for new growth. Many place were considered worldwide. During this period, Caldey Island was experiencing monetary troubles culminating with Dom Aelred leaving the island suddenly to go to Canada.
Caldey was left facing financial ruin and the Benedictines monks who were living there were confronted with numerous problems. Rome was concerned about losing the island and its rich monastic heritage. To add insult to injury, the Church of England was nosing about, possibly looking to capitalize on the monk’s misfortune. It was at this point that Rome asked the Reformed order of Cistercians (formerly the Trappists) to buy the island.
Everyone was in agreement with this arrangement, and ownership of the island passed to the Cistercians. They were, however, subject to a clause that gave the former Benedictine residents five years to regain control of their finances and retake ownership of the islands. This clause was never fulfilled and the Reformed Cistercians became the new monks of Caldey Island.
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