Abbot of Crossraguel facts for kids
The Abbot of Crossraguel was the leader of a special group of monks called the Cluniac community at Crossraguel Abbey. This abbey was located near Maybole in Carrick, a region in south-west Scotland. The abbey was started in the 1260s by Donnchadh mac Gille Brigte, who was the earl of Carrick. He brought monks from Paisley Abbey to live there.
Because many old records are missing and the abbey was quite far from the main parts of Lowland Scotland, we don't know the names of all the abbots. In the 16th century, the abbots were replaced by people called commendators. The abbey eventually closed in 1617 when its lands were taken over by the bishops of Dunblane.
In 1886, the title of Abbot of Crossraguel was brought back. Today, the person who holds the title of Dean of the Chapel Royal also holds the titles of Abbot of Crossraguel and Abbot of Dundrennan.
Contents
What Was Crossraguel Abbey?
Crossraguel Abbey was a place where Cluniac monks lived and worshipped. Monks were religious men who dedicated their lives to prayer and study. The abbey served as an important religious center in its area for many years.
Who Were the Abbots and Commendators?
The abbot was the head of the monastic community, like a principal leading a school. They were responsible for the monks and the abbey's activities. Later, a "commendator" was appointed. A commendator was often a lay person (not a monk) or a cleric who managed the abbey's lands and income, sometimes without living there. This change happened as the power of monasteries began to shift.
List of Known Abbots
Here are some of the abbots we know about:
- Patrick, from 1274 to around 1292
- Nicholas, from 1370 to between 1386 and 1400
- Nearly a hundred years passed without a known abbot.
- Roger, active in 1370
- Roland, from 1414 to 1433
- John de Lithgow, from 1414 to 1415
- Colin Kennedy, from 1460 to 1490
- Robert Whitehead, from 1491 to 1492 (Some records suggest his name was Whytefoord)
- David Blair (Blane), from 1498 to 1504 (Some records suggest his name was Chalmer)
- David Kinghorn, from 1509 to 1521
- William Kennedy, from 1520 to 1547
- Quintin Kennedy, from 1548 to 1564
- Peter Hewat, from 1612
Peter Hewat and King James VI
Around the year 1600, King James VI of Scotland (who later became King James I of England) wanted to reduce the power of the church. There was a big disagreement between the King and many church leaders. Most of the clergy (church officials) disagreed with the King's actions. However, Peter Hewat chose to support the King. Because of this, Peter Hewat gained the King's favor. In 1612, the King gave him the position of Abbot at Crossraguel. This important role also gave Peter Hewat a seat in the Scottish Parliament and made him a member of the Court of High Commission, which was a powerful legal body.
List of Pensioners and Commendators
These are the people who managed the abbey's affairs after the abbots:
- George Buchanan (pensioner), from 1564 to 1577
- Alan Stewart (commendator/abbot), from 1565 to 1587
- John Vaus of Barnbarroch (commendator), from 1587 to 1612
- Peter Hewat (commendator), from 1612 to 1628
