Abbot of Fearn facts for kids
The Abbot of Fearn was the leader of a special group of monks called Premonstratensians at Fearn Abbey. This abbey was in a place called Easter Ross, Scotland.
The abbey was started by monks from Whithorn Priory in Galloway. A powerful local leader, Fearchar mac an t-Sagairt, who was the earl of Ross, helped them. Fearn Abbey began in the 1220s, either in 1221 or 1227.
At first, the abbey was near Edderton. But around 1238, it moved to the Tarbat area. Even though Fearn had an abbot (a top leader) and Whithorn had a prior (a slightly lower leader), Fearn still seemed to be under Whithorn's control for a long time. This was because Whithorn was a "cathedral priory," meaning its head had the same power as an abbot.
Contents
What Was Fearn Abbey Like?
Fearn Abbey was a small but important place for many centuries. It was where the Earls of Ross were buried. Not much is known about all the abbots who led the abbey.
The Abbey's Decline
Life at the abbey started to change after 1490. A church official named John Sinclair, who was the Bishop of Caithness, took control of Fearn Abbey. He used a fake document to do this. He removed the abbot, Thomas MacCulloch.
After this, several people who were not monks took over Fearn. They were called "commendators." They only cared about the abbey's money, not its religious life.
In 1560, the area of Ross-shire officially became Presbyterian. This meant a different kind of church was in charge, and monastic life (monks living together) completely stopped. In 1609, the land and buildings of the abbey were taken over by the bishopric of Ross.
Who Were the Abbots and Commendators?
Many different people led Fearn Abbey over the years. First, there were the abbots, who were religious leaders. Later, there were commendators, who managed the abbey's money.
- Maol Choluim (I) of Whithorn, 1220s or 1230s
- Maol Choluim (II) of Nigg, before 1251
- Macbeathad ("Machabeus") "Makhersin", 1251 to 1274
- Colin, 1255 to 1271
- Martein (Martin), 1299 to 1311
- John, 1299 to 1321
- Mark Ross, 1321 to 1338
- Domhnall ("Donaldus") Pupill, 1345 to 1373
- Adam Monilaw, 1380 to 1407
- Thomas Kiethirnathie, after 1407
- Fionnlagh (I) (or Finlay), 1436
- Fionnlagh (II) (Finlay McFaed), 1439 to 1486
- Thomas MacCulloch, 1486 to 1490
- Nicholas Slugy, around 1491
Commendators
- Andrew Stewart, 1508 to 1517
- Patrick Hamilton, 1517 to 1526
- Donald Denoon, 1525 to 1541
- Robert Cairncross, 1541 to 1545
- David Paniter, 1545
- James Cairncross, 1545 to 1550
- Nicholas Ross, 1550 to 1569
- Thomas Ross, 1566 to 1596
- Walter Ross of Morangie, 1584
- Patrick Gordon of Letterfourie, 1591
- Patrick Murray of Geanies, 1598
Images for kids
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Tomb of abbot Fionnlagh II.
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Head-effigy of abbot Fionnlagh II.
