Abbot of Kinloss facts for kids

The Abbot of Kinloss was the main leader of Kinloss Abbey, a special home for Cistercian monks in Moray, Scotland. King David I of Scotland started this abbey around 1151 with monks from Melrose Abbey. Later, the role of the abbot changed to a Commendator of Kinloss. The abbey eventually became a type of land ownership for Edward Bruce, who was the last commendator. He then became known as Lord Kinloss.

What is an Abbey and an Abbot?

An abbey is a large building or group of buildings where monks or nuns live and work together. These communities are often called monasteries. Monks are men who dedicate their lives to religious study and prayer.

The Abbot was the most important person in a monastery. Think of them as the boss or principal of the abbey. Their job was to:

• Lead the monks in their daily prayers and spiritual life.
• Manage all the land and money that belonged to the abbey.
• Make sure the rules of the monastery were followed.
• Represent the abbey to kings, queens, and other important people.

The monks at Kinloss Abbey were part of a group called the Cistercian order. Cistercian monks were known for their simple lives, hard work, and often lived in quiet, rural areas.

The Story of Kinloss Abbey

Kinloss Abbey was founded by King David I of Scotland, who was known for setting up many religious houses. He wanted to bring new religious orders to Scotland. The monks who started Kinloss Abbey came from another famous monastery called Melrose Abbey.

For hundreds of years, Kinloss Abbey was an important place. It was a center for learning, farming, and helping the local community. The abbots were powerful figures in the region.

From Abbot to Commendator

Over time, the way abbeys were run in Scotland began to change. The title of "Abbot" was replaced by "Commendator." A commendator was still in charge of the abbey's property and money, but they weren't always a monk themselves. Sometimes, they were appointed by the king or a powerful family.

This change meant that the abbey's wealth and lands were managed more like a regular estate, rather than just for the spiritual life of the monks. Edward Bruce was the last commendator of Kinloss. After him, the abbey's lands became his personal property, and he was given the title of Lord Kinloss.

Leaders of Kinloss Abbey

Here is a list of the people who led Kinloss Abbey, first as Abbots and then as Commendators:

Abbots of Kinloss

• Ascelin, 1150-1174
• Reiner, 1174-1189
• Radulf, 1189-1194
• Radulf, 1202x1207-1220
• Robert, 1220
• Herbert, 1226-1251
• Richard, 1251-1274
• Andrew, 1275-1286
• Gilbert, 1296
• Henry, before 1316
• Thomas Dere, 1316-1338 or 1344
• Simon, 1346
• Richard, 1362-1371
• Adam de Tarras, 1389-1414
• William de Blare, 1414-1429
• John Floter, 1431-1444
• Henry Butre/Butoe, 1439-1444
• John de Ellem, 1443-1467
• James Guthrie, 1467-1481
• John Pittendreich, 1478
• William Galbraith, 1481-1490
• Hugh Martini, 1490-1491
• William Culross, 1491-1500
• Andrew Forman, 1492
• Thomas Crystall (Christopheri/Wawain), 1500-1528
• Robert Reid, 1528-1553
• Walter Reid, 1553-1587

Commendators of Kinloss

• Edward Bruce, 1587-1601