David Arnot facts for kids

Quick facts for kids David Arnot
Bishop of Galloway
Coat of arms of David Arnot
Church	Roman Catholic Church
See	Diocese of Galloway
In Office	1508–1526
Predecessor	James Beaton
Successor	Henry Wemyss
Personal details
Born	unknown unknown
Died	1536 or 1537
Previous post	Archdeacon of Lothian (1498–1503) Abbot of Cambuskenneth (1503–1509)

David Arnot was an important Scottish church leader who lived in the 1500s. He was a canon regular, which means he was a priest who followed a special set of rules. He later became a bishop. He came from the Arnot family in Fife, Scotland. He was active in the church from before 1497 until his death around 1536 or 1537.

David Arnot's Early Church Roles

David Arnot started his career in the church by holding several important positions. These roles helped him gain experience and move up in the church.

Becoming Archdeacon of Lothian

In 1497, David Arnot became the Rector of Kirkforthar, a church in Fife. A year later, on October 26, 1498, he was chosen to become the Archdeacon of Lothian. An Archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage a part of the diocese.

Serving as Provost of Bothwell

By September 1499, David Arnot was also the Provost of the collegiate church of Bothwell. A collegiate church is a church run by a group of priests, called a college, rather than a single parish priest. The Provost was the head of this group. We don't know exactly when he started this role. He held this position until at least November 1502.

Leading Cambuskenneth Abbey

After the leader of Cambuskenneth Abbey, Henry Abercrombie, passed away in March 1503, David Arnot was chosen to take his place. An Abbot is the head of an abbey, which is a community of monks or canons. He was officially recognized as the new Abbot by November 1503. David Arnot led the Abbey of Cambuskenneth for more than five years.

David Arnot: Bishop of Galloway

In November 1508, David Arnot was chosen to become the Bishop of Galloway. This happened after the previous bishop, James Beaton, moved to a new role as Archbishop of Glasgow.

Becoming Bishop and Dean

David Arnot officially became the Bishop of Galloway on January 29, 1509. He was also given control over the church's lands and income, known as the temporalities, on May 27. His title was "Bishop of Candida Casa [Whithorn] and of the Chapel Royal." Since 1504, the Bishop of Galloway also served as the Dean of the Chapel Royal at Stirling. The Chapel Royal was a special church connected to the king's court.

Taking Charge of Tongland Abbey

In 1509, Bishop Arnot also took on another important role. He was given control of Tongland Abbey as its Commendator. This meant he managed the abbey and its income, even though he wasn't living there as a monk. He officially became the Commendator of Tongland on April 18, 1510.

Representing the King

Bishop Arnot was an important figure, so he was sometimes sent on special missions. In April 1516, he went on an important trip to England. He represented King James V of Scotland to King Henry VIII of England. He traveled with other important people, including several other bishops and earls.

Later Years and Resignation

David Arnot continued his duties as bishop. He witnessed important royal documents in 1517 and 1522.

In January 1526, Bishop Arnot decided to step down from his role as Bishop of Galloway. He passed the position to Henry Wemyss. However, Arnot kept the right to return to the role if it became vacant again. He also received a pension, which was like a retirement payment. He also resigned from his role at Tongland Abbey, but he might have continued to manage it for a few more years.

David Arnot was last mentioned in records in July 1536. He passed away sometime between then and August 1537.