Abbot of Coupar Angus facts for kids
The Abbot of Coupar Angus was the leader of a special religious community called Coupar Angus Abbey in Scotland. This abbey was located on the border between two areas: Angus and Gowrie. The abbot was like the head teacher or principal of a school, but for monks. They were in charge of the monks, the abbey buildings, and all the land that belonged to the abbey.
Later, the title changed to Commendator of Coupar. A commendator was also a leader, but sometimes they weren't monks themselves. They were often appointed by the king or queen to manage the abbey's lands and money. These leaders were very important for the abbey and its surrounding areas. For example, one abbot named David Bane was given a special hat called a mitre in 1464, which showed his high rank and authority.
The Abbots of Coupar Angus
An abbot was the spiritual and administrative head of a monastery for monks. They were chosen by the monks or appointed by higher church officials. Abbots were responsible for the monks' spiritual well-being, the abbey's finances, and its daily operations. They often had a lot of power and influence in their local area.
Here is a list of the abbots who led Coupar Angus Abbey:
- Fulk, from before 1164 to 1170
- Ralph, from 1171 to 1189
- Adam, from 1189 to 1194
- Arnold, from 1194 to before 1201
- William (the First), from 1201 to 1202
- Udard, from 1202 to 1207
- Richard, from 1207 to 1209
- Alexander, from 1209 to 1240
- Gilbert, from 1240 to 1243
- William de Binin, from 1243 to 1258
- William (the Third), from 1258 to 1283
- Andreas de Buchan, from 1284 to 1296
- Alan, from before 1300 to around 1315
- John Orwell, from around 1325 to between 1341 and 1356
- Lambert, active in 1356
- Walter, active in 1387
- John de Ketnes, from before 1395 to 1419
- William de Ledhuys (Ledhouse), from 1419 to before 1428
- Thomas de Furde, from before 1428 to 1429
- William de Blare, from 1429 to between 1453 and 1456
- Thomas de Levingstone, from 1456 to 1459
- John de Hudton, from 1460 to 1461
- David Bane, from 1461 to between 1479 and 1483
- John Schanwell, from between 1479 and 1483 to 1506
- Robert Beaton, in 1507
- William Turnbull, from 1507 to 1524
- William Stewart, from 1511 to 1512 (likely a co-leader or temporary)
- Thomas Hay, from 1524 to 1525 (likely a co-leader or temporary)
- John (Alexander) Spens, from 1524 to 1526 (elected but perhaps not fully in charge)
- Donald Campbell, from 1526 to 1562 or 1563
The Commendators of Coupar
A commendator was a person, often not a monk, who was given control over an abbey's lands and income. This usually happened during a time of change, like the Scottish Reformation. The commendator would manage the abbey's property, but they might not live there or follow the monastic rules. It was often a way for the Crown (the king or queen) to control church wealth.
Here is a list of the commendators who managed Coupar Angus Abbey:
- Leonard Leslie (the First), from 1563 to 1602
- George Foullertoun the Younger of Dunune, in 1594
- Leonard Leslie (the Second), from 1596 to 1598
- Andrew Lamb, from 1603 to 1607
- Patrick Stirling, in 1607
- James Elphinstone, from 1606 to 1607
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