Abbot of Holyrood facts for kids

The Abbot of Holyrood was the main leader of the Augustinian monks at Holyrood Abbey. This famous abbey is located in Edinburgh, Scotland. For many years, the Abbot was in charge of the abbey, its lands, and its monks. Later, this role changed to a Commendator of Holyrood. This happened because of big changes in Scotland, like the Reformation, which changed how churches and monasteries were run. The abbey's long history as a monastic community officially ended in July 1606. At that time, the Scottish parliament changed the abbey into a regular noble's estate for the last commendator, John Bothwell.

Who Were the Abbots and Commendators?

The Abbots: Leaders of the Monks

An abbot was like the boss of a monastery. Monasteries were places where monks lived, prayed, and worked together. The Augustinian monks at Holyrood Abbey followed strict rules and dedicated their lives to God. The abbot made sure everything ran smoothly. They managed the abbey's money, land, and people. They also led the monks in their religious duties.

This old seal belonged to Adam, one of the abbots of Holyrood. Seals were used to officially sign documents.

Some of the early abbots of Holyrood Abbey included:

• Alwin, who was the first abbot from 1128 to 1151.
• William (I), who led the abbey from 1152 to 1172.
• Adam, who was abbot around 1291 to 1299.
• Simon de Wedale, who was abbot from 1321 to 1327.
• Walter Bower, who was also a famous historian, was abbot around 1420.

The Commendators: A New Kind of Leader

Over time, especially during the 1500s, the role of the abbey's leader changed. Instead of an abbot who was a monk, a "commendator" was appointed. A commendator was often a lay person, meaning they were not a monk or a priest. They were put in charge of the abbey's income and lands. This change happened as Scotland moved away from the old Catholic Church system. The commendators were usually powerful nobles or people connected to the royal family. They managed the abbey's wealth but didn't necessarily live like monks or lead religious services.

This seal from 1555 shows the crest of Holyrood Abbey. It was used during the time of the commendators.

Important commendators of Holyrood included:

• Robert Stewart, who was commendator from 1539 to 1568. He was a son of King James V of Scotland.
• Adam Bothwell, who took over in 1568 and served until 1582.
• John Bothwell, who was the last commendator from 1582 to 1606. He was the one who saw the abbey become a secular lordship. This meant it was no longer a church property but a regular noble's estate.