Founded by Thorvaldr Gissurarson, the father of Earl Gissur, and consecrated by his brother, Bishop Magnús of Skálholt, in the year 1226. Its tenants followed the rule of St Augustine. The eighteenth and last abbot embraced Lutheranism, and died in A.D. 1568. Earl Gissur here ended his days.
There were two priories in the island, viz.:
MÖÐRUVALLAKLAUSTR.
Instituted by Bishop Jörund of Hólar in A.D. 1296. Its monks were Augustines. Seven of its priors are known, and the last died in 1546.
SKRIÐUKLAUSTR.
Instituted towards the end of the fifteenth century. It only had four priors, who, it seems, followed the rule of St Augustine.
There were two nunneries:
KYRKJUBÆARKLAUSTR.
Founded by one Bjarnharðr, at the application of Bishop Klœngur of Skálholt, and consecrated by him in A.D. 1186, on condition that its occupants should be nuns following the rules of St Benedict. The names of twelve of its abbesses are recorded.
REYNISTAÐARKLAUSTR.