Abbot of Deer facts for kids

The Abbot of Deer was the main leader of a special group of monks called Cistercians at Deer Abbey in a place called Buchan. This abbey was started in 1219 by William Comyn, jure uxoris Earl of Buchan. Before that, there might have been an older group of Scottish monks or priests there, but they likely joined the new abbey. Later, in 1587, the abbey changed. Its leader became known as the Commendator of Deer, and the abbey itself turned into a "secular lordship" for Commendator Robert Keith II, who then became Lord Altrie.

What Was an Abbot?

An abbot was like the principal or head teacher of a monastery. Monasteries were places where monks lived, prayed, and worked together. The abbot was in charge of everything. They were the spiritual leader, guiding the monks in their religious life. They also managed the abbey's lands and money. It was a very important job!

The Story of Deer Abbey

Deer Abbey was founded in 1219. It was built for Cistercian monks, who were known for their simple lives and hard work. A powerful person named William Comyn, who was the Earl of Buchan, helped start the abbey. For many years, different abbots led the community, helping it grow and thrive.

From Abbots to Commendators

Over time, things changed in Scotland. In 1587, Deer Abbey, like many other monasteries, stopped being a traditional abbey led by an abbot. Instead, it became a "secular lordship." This meant it was no longer just a religious place. Its leader was then called a "Commendator." This person didn't have to be a monk and often managed the abbey's lands and wealth for their own family. The last abbot was John Innes, and the first commendator was Robert Keith I. The abbey eventually became a property owned by the Keith family.

Leaders of Deer Abbey

Many different leaders guided Deer Abbey through the centuries. Here are some of the most important ones:

• Early Abbots: The first known abbot was Robert, who led the abbey from 1219 to 1220. Many other abbots followed, guiding the monks and managing the abbey for hundreds of years.
• Last Abbot: The last abbot mentioned was John Innes, who served from 1509 to 1543.
• First Commendator: After the change, Robert Keith I became the first commendator, serving from 1543 to 1550.
• Lord Altrie: Robert Keith II was a very important commendator, serving from 1552 to 1587. He was the one who saw the abbey officially become a secular lordship, and he became known as Lord Altrie.