Abbot of Kilwinning facts for kids

The Abbot of Kilwinning (later called the Commendator of Kilwinning) was the main leader of a very old monastery in Scotland. This monastery was Kilwinning Abbey, located in an area now known as North Ayrshire. It was founded a long, long time ago, between the years 1162 and 1167.

We're not completely sure who started the abbey, but it was probably Richard de Morville, who was a powerful lord in the area called Cunningham. The abbots and later the commendators were important figures who guided the monks and managed the abbey's lands for many centuries.

What Was an Abbot?

An abbot was the head of a monastery, which is a community where monks live and worship. Monks are religious men who dedicate their lives to God, often following strict rules and living apart from the rest of society. The Abbot of Kilwinning was in charge of the monks at Kilwinning Abbey. He was responsible for their spiritual well-being, the daily running of the monastery, and managing its lands and wealth.

Kilwinning Abbey was home to a specific group of monks called the Tironensians. This was a type of monastic order that started in France. They were known for their simple lives, hard work, and focus on farming and crafts.

From Abbot to Commendator

Over time, the title of the leader at Kilwinning Abbey changed from "Abbot" to "Commendator." This change happened around the 16th century, especially during a period known as the Scottish Reformation.

A commendator was often a lay person (someone who wasn't a monk or priest) or a cleric who was given control over the abbey's income and lands. They didn't necessarily live at the abbey or lead the monks in their religious duties. Instead, they managed the abbey's property and money. This change often meant that the abbey's original religious purpose became less important, and its wealth was used for other purposes.

Leaders of Kilwinning Abbey

For hundreds of years, many different people served as the leaders of Kilwinning Abbey. They guided the monks and managed the abbey's affairs through various times in Scottish history.

Early Abbots

The earliest known abbots led the monastery for many years. They were responsible for establishing the abbey's traditions and ensuring its growth.

• Rainer, who was the abbot between 1186 and 1189.
• Nigel, also known as Niall, from 1201 to 1210.
• John, who served between 1221 and 1230.
• Bernard, in 1296.
• Roger, between 1296 and 1305.
• Adam, from 1312 to 1327.
• William de Deyn, who was abbot between 1327 or 1329 and 1344.
• John de Dalgarno, from 1344 to 1346.
• Robert, between 1360 and 1367.
• John, in 1384.
• Bryce MacMakyn, in 1407.
• Adam, who had a long term from 1407 to 1439.
• William Boyd, from 1443 to 1474.
• William Bunche, from 1474 to 1513.
• John Forman, from 1512 to 1514.

Commendators of Kilwinning

After the role changed, several commendators took charge of the abbey's properties.

• James Beaton, from 1513 to 1524.
• John Cantlie, in 1521.
• John Hamilton, in 1524.
• George Betoun, from 1526 to 1527.
• Alexander Hamilton, from 1527 to 1547.
• Henry Sinclair, from 1541 to 1550.
• Gavin Hamilton, from 1550 to 1571.
• Alexander Cunningham, from 1571 to 1585.
• James Cunningham, in 1585.
• William Melville, from 1591 to 1592.