Abbot of Melrose facts for kids
The Abbot and later Commendator of Melrose were the main leaders of the Melrose Abbey community. This famous abbey was located in Melrose, a town in the Borders region of Scotland.
Melrose Abbey was first built a very long time ago. The second, more famous abbey was started in 1136. It was supported by King David I of Scotland. He brought Cistercian monks from Rievaulx Abbey in England to live and work there.
For many years, the abbey was led by an Abbot. An abbot was a monk who was chosen to be the head of the monastery. He was responsible for the monks and the abbey's lands.
In the 16th century, things changed. The control of the abbey became more worldly, or "secularized." This meant that people who were not monks started to lead the abbey. These leaders were called Commendators.
The last commendator, James Douglas of Lochleven, gave up his title in 1606. The abbey's lands were then given to a nobleman, John Ramsay, who became "Lord Melrose."
Contents
What is an Abbot?
An abbot was the spiritual and administrative leader of a monastery for monks. They were usually chosen by the monks themselves. The abbot made sure the monks followed their rules and managed the abbey's daily life. This included its farms, buildings, and money.
What is a Commendator?
A commendator was different from an abbot. They were often not monks themselves. They were usually powerful people, like nobles or even kings, who were given control over an abbey's income and lands. They didn't necessarily live at the abbey or follow the monastic rules. This change happened in many places during the 16th century.
Important Leaders of Melrose Abbey
Melrose Abbey had many abbots and a few commendators over its history. Here are some of the most notable ones:
Famous Abbots
- St. Waltheof (1148-1159): He was known for his holy life. He was even considered a saint.
- Jocelin (1170-1174): After being abbot, he became a very important bishop in Glasgow.
- Adam de Harkarres (1219-1246): He led the abbey for a long time.
Key Commendators
- James Stewart (1535-1557): He was one of the first commendators.
- James Douglas of Lochleven (1569-1620): He was the last commendator to hold the title for a long period. He eventually gave up control of the abbey's lands.
Images for kids
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The ruins of Melrose Abbey as they were in June 2004.
See Also
