The Gilbertine Order was founded by the English-born Gilbert of Sempringham in the middle of the 12th century. In addition to being the only natively English monastic order, the Gilbertines were unique in their double foundations housing monks and nuns. Their legacy remains quite small; only 15 extant manuscripts are associated with the order, attached to 5 of the 25 Gilbertine houses. Four additional works ascribed to Gilbertine members, but not surviving in Gilbertine copies, include the vita of Gilbert of Sempringham, the Gilbertine Rule , the so-called 'Sempringham Continuation' to Le Livere de Reis Engleterre, and the works of Robert Mannyng.
