Abbot of Iona facts for kids

Saint Columba, the first abbot of Iona, meeting the Pictish king

The Abbot of Iona was a very important leader in the Middle Ages. This person was the head of Iona Abbey, a famous monastery on the island of Iona. They were also in charge of many other monasteries in both Scotland and Ireland, like Durrow and Kells.

Being the Abbot of Iona was one of the most respected church jobs in Europe during the early Middle Ages. Kings and bishops from different lands, like the Picts, Franks, and English, would visit them. The abbots of Iona were also known as the "Comarba of Colum Cille," which means they were the direct successors of Saint Columba, who founded the abbey.

Over time, Iona's power as the main center for Columba's monasteries (called the familia) started to lessen. Other monasteries, like those in Derry, Raphoe, Kells, and Dunkeld, became more important. In Scotland, the abbots of Dunkeld became very powerful in the 11th century. They even played a big role in politics across northern Britain. One abbot, Crínán, married the daughter of King Máel Coluim II. Their family, known as the House of Dunkeld, ruled Scotland for a long time. Later, Dunkeld became a place for bishops, and the monks at Inchcolm Abbey followed the Augustinians' rules.

Around the early 1200s, the monks at Iona decided to follow the Benedictine rule, which is a different set of rules for monks. In 1203, Raghnall mac Somhairle, a son of Somerled (who was a powerful king of Argyll and the Isles), helped to support Iona Abbey again.

Who Were the Early Abbots of Iona? (Up to 891)

This list shows the first abbots who led Iona Abbey from its founding until the late 800s. These were important figures in the early Christian history of Scotland and Ireland.

Leaders of Columba's Monasteries (891–1099)

During the time of abbots Diarmait and Indrechtach, Vikings often attacked Iona. Because of these dangers, the holy items of Saint Columba were moved to other monasteries that followed his rules, like Kells, Raphoe, and Dunkeld. This meant that the abbot on Iona was no longer as important within the larger group of Columban monasteries. Many of the "Comarba of Colum Cille" (successors of Columba) were not even based on Iona anymore.

Leaders of Columba's Monasteries at Kells and Derry

After 1099, the main leaders of Columba's monasteries were no longer based at Iona. Instead, they were found at Kells and Derry.

Benedictine Abbots of Iona

A wide view of Iona Abbey

In the early 13th century, the monks of Iona started following the Benedictine rule. This section lists the abbots who led the abbey under this new system.

Abbot-Commendators

An abbot-commendator was someone who managed the abbey's money and lands, even if they weren't a monk or didn't live there. This was a common practice later in the Middle Ages.

See Also

• Iona Abbey
• Columba