Alexander Stewart (bishop of Ross) facts for kids

Alexander Stewart (died 1371) was an important Scottish bishop in the 1300s. He likely came from a place called Menteith in Scotland. We first hear about him in the early 1340s. At that time, he already had a university degree. He also held a church job as the Archdeacon of Ross.

Later in the 1340s, he worked at the Pope's court in Avignon, France. He was a special helper to the Pope, called a papal chaplain. In 1350, he became the Bishop of Ross. He held this important church position until he passed away in 1371.

Alexander Stewart's Early Life

Alexander Stewart came from the diocese of Dunblane. This area included places like Strathearn and Menteith. Since the Stewart family was well-known in Menteith, it's thought he was from there.

His family's coat of arms had the Stewart "chequy" pattern. It also showed three lion rampants. These lions were a symbol of the earls of Ross. This suggests Alexander Stewart might have had some connection to the Ross family.

His Education and Studies

Before becoming a church leader, Alexander Stewart spent many years at university. By July 1343, he had a special degree. It was called a "Licentiate in Decrees," which meant he studied Canon law (church law).

By March 1348, he was sometimes called Magister ("Master"). This usually means someone has completed a Master's degree. However, he was only called "Master" once, so it's not totally certain.

Alexander Stewart's First Church Jobs

In July 1343, Alexander Stewart was the Archdeacon of Ross. He probably held this job for several years before that date. It's likely that Bishop Roger of Ross helped him get this position. Bishop Roger was also from the diocese of Dunblane.

Working for the Church

On July 22, 1343, he was given the chance to become a canonry in the diocese of Dunkeld. This meant he could expect to receive a "prebend." A prebend was like a regular income from the church.

By March 1348, he said he had a Dunkeld prebend. He also claimed one in June 1350. He was also given a prebend in Cruden in the diocese of Aberdeen. But it's not clear if he ever actually used this one. He was told to give up this right when he got a prebend in Kinnoir in the diocese of Moray in June 1350.

Time at the Pope's Court

Alexander Stewart likely spent the late 1340s at the Pope's court. This court was in Avignon, France, at that time. He became a papal chaplain on August 6, 1346.

He might have worked for Cardinal Guillaume de la Jugée. This Cardinal helped Stewart in 1348 and 1350. This help probably explains why he received the church incomes mentioned earlier.

Becoming Bishop of Ross

The ruins of Fortrose Cathedral on the Black Isle, the "seat" (cathedra) of the diocese of Ross.

Bishop Roger, the previous Bishop of Ross, decided to step down. He resigned his position at the Pope's court. Alexander Stewart was already at the papal court, which was good timing. The Pope had decided to choose the next bishop himself.

On November 3, 1350, Alexander Stewart was chosen to be the new Bishop of Ross. He promised to serve the church on January 26, 1351. This was the same day as John de Rait, the new Bishop of Aberdeen.

He became a consecrated bishop by March 9, 1351. On that day, he was allowed to borrow money. This money was to help him pay for his costs while in Avignon.

His Work as Bishop

Bishop Stewart returned to Scotland. We first see him there on March 6, 1352. He witnessed an important document, called a charter, for King David II of Scotland at Scone.

He continued to help the Pope. He was mentioned in ten papal documents between March 1351 and July 1353. In July 1364, the Pope asked him to investigate something. People were complaining about being charged too much for boat trips. These trips were for pilgrims going from Queensferry on the river Forth.

Important Documents and Meetings

Bishop Stewart's official seal was put on a document in September 1357. This document was about paying the ransom for King David II. The King had been captured.

His seal was also on an agreement at Auldearn in January 1365. And it was on another important paper in Perth in October 1370.

He attended several important meetings of the Scottish parliament. He was at the Scone parliament in November 1358 and July 1366. He did not attend the Perth parliament in September 1367 or the Scone parliament in March 1369. He was at the Council General in Perth in January 1365.

Witnessing Charters

Bishop Stewart witnessed many charters (official documents). Some were in or near Ross. Others were royal charters from the King. For example, he witnessed royal charters at Scone in November 1358.

He also witnessed private documents for other important people. These included Andrew Leslie, Patrick Grant of Stratherrick, and Hugh de Ross. Hugh de Ross was the brother of the earl of Ross. These documents were signed at Cullisse near Nigg.

He witnessed several charters for the Earl of Ross himself, Uilleam III. These happened in the 1350s and 1360s. Some were at Delny in March 1356, June 1357, November 1358, and April 1366. Others were at Dingwall in December 1366, August 1369, and February 1371.

The last document he appeared in was the one from February 1371. He might have died by the Scone parliament in March 1371, which he didn't attend. He was definitely dead by May 9, 1371. On that date, Alexander de Kylwos was chosen to be the new Bishop of Ross.