Abbot of Sweetheart facts for kids
The Abbot of Sweetheart was the main leader of a group of Cistercian monks at Sweetheart Abbey. This abbey was a special monastery built around 1275 in a place called Galloway, which is now part of Dumfries and Galloway in Scotland. The monks who started Sweetheart Abbey came from another abbey called Dundrennan Abbey. A powerful lady named Derbhfhorghaill inghean Ailein, also known as Dervorguilla Balliol, who was the Lady of Galloway, helped them build it.
Later on, the title changed from Abbot to Commendator of Sweetheart. Both titles referred to the person in charge of the abbey. This article lists the important leaders who guided the monks at Sweetheart Abbey through many years.
What Was an Abbot?
An abbot was the head of a monastery, like a principal is the head of a school. They were very important religious leaders. Abbots were chosen by the monks and were responsible for everything at the abbey. This included guiding the monks in their religious life, managing the abbey's land and money, and making sure everyone followed the rules of the Cistercian order.
Cistercian monks were a group of Catholic monks who lived a very simple life. They focused on prayer, hard work, and living away from the busy world. Sweetheart Abbey was one of their homes in Scotland.
From Abbot to Commendator
Over time, the way monasteries were run changed. The title of "Abbot" eventually became "Commendator." A commendator was still in charge of the abbey, but they were not always monks themselves. Sometimes, these roles were given to people who were not living in the monastery full-time. This change happened in many places, including Sweetheart Abbey, as the role of monasteries in society began to shift.
Leaders of Sweetheart Abbey
Here are some of the important leaders who guided Sweetheart Abbey through its history. They helped the abbey grow and continue its work for many years.
Abbots of Sweetheart
- Henry, S.O.Cist., 1273 - 1280
- John, S.O.Cist., 1280 x 1290 - 1296
- Thomas, S.O.Cist., 1356 - 1404
- John, S.O.Cist., c.1409
- William Greenlaw, S.O.Cist., 1448 -1463
- Alexander Tyningham, S.O.Cist., 1486
- James Ruche, S.O.Cist., 1486
- Robert Greenlaw, S.O.Cist., 1515
- Herbert Browne, S.O.Cist., 1523 - 1530
- Richard Brown, S.O.Cist., 1530-1532
- Robert Arnot, S.O.Cist., 1532
- Herbert, S.O.Cist., 1538
- John Brown, S.O.Cist., 1538 - 1565
- Gilbert Broun, S.O.Cist., 1565 - 1612
Commendators of Sweetheart
- Gilbert Brown, 1565
- William Leslie, 1586
- Robert Maxwell, x 1612
- Robert Spottiswood, 1612 -1624
