Abbot of Inchaffray facts for kids
The Abbot of Inchaffray was the leader of a special group of Augustinian canons (a type of priest) who lived at Inchaffray Abbey. This abbey was located in Strathearn, a beautiful area in southern Perthshire, Scotland.
The Inchaffray community started in 1200 as a small priory. A priory is a type of monastery that is usually smaller or less important than an abbey. It was founded by Gille Brigte, who was the powerful ruler (called a mormaer) of Strathearn at the time.
In 1221, the priory grew in importance and was officially made an abbey. This meant it had a higher status. The leader then became known as the Abbot of Inchaffray.
Later, by the end of the 1400s, the monastery started to change. It became more "secularized," meaning it was less focused on strict religious life and more on worldly matters. After Abbot George Mureff (Murray) stepped down in 1495, a new type of leader took over: the Commendator of Inchaffray. A commendator was often a lay person (not a monk or priest) who managed the abbey's lands and money, sometimes without living there.
Eventually, Inchaffray Abbey was turned into a "secular lordship." This meant its lands and power became like a noble title, passed down through families. This change was made official in 1669, when it was given to William Drummond.
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Leaders of Inchaffray Abbey
Over its history, Inchaffray had different types of leaders. These leaders were in charge of the religious community and its lands.
Priors of Inchaffray
When Inchaffray was a priory, its leader was called a Prior. The first known prior was Maol Íosa, who led the community when it was founded in 1200. The last prior was Innocent, who then became the first abbot.
Abbots of Inchaffray
After 1221, when the priory became an abbey, the leader was known as the Abbot. The abbot was a very important figure, overseeing the monks and the abbey's activities. Innocent, who was the last prior, became the first abbot. Another notable abbot was Maurice, who served from around 1304 to 1322. The last abbot before the change to commendators was George Mureff (Murray), who served until 1495.
Commendators of Inchaffray
From 1495 onwards, the leaders of Inchaffray were called Commendators. These individuals often managed the abbey's property and income. The first commendator was Laurence Oliphant. Later, James Drummond was a significant commendator, serving from 1565 to 1610. He helped turn the abbey into a secular lordship.
Images for kids
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Ruins of the abbey as depicted in 1794
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Map of the area around the abbey in Strathearn.
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Seal of the abbot of Inchaffray. The abbot is either Innocent or Nicholas.
