Edward of Aberdeen facts for kids
Edward was an important church leader in Scotland during the 1100s. He was known as a prelate, which means he held a high position in the church. He became the Bishop of Aberdeen, a major role in the Scottish church.
Edward first appears in official records as Bishop of Aberdeen between 1147 and 1151. Before him, Bishop Nechtán held the position. It's thought that Edward became bishop sometime between 1131 and 1151, most likely after the 1130s.
Working with Kings
Bishop Edward was an important figure in his time. He was present when important documents, called charters, were signed by Scottish kings. He witnessed charters for King David I, King Máel Coluim IV, and King William the Lion. This shows he was trusted and involved in royal affairs.
Important Church Leader
In 1157, Bishop Edward received a special letter from Pope Adrian IV. This letter was called a Papal Bull, which is a very important official document from the Pope. The Bull confirmed that the diocese of Aberdeen (the area under the bishop's control) owned its lands and properties.
The Pope's letter also gave Bishop Edward the power to choose priests for his cathedral. He could pick either monks or other priests, called canons. This was a big deal because it meant Edward had a lot of control over how the church in Aberdeen was run. Even though he wasn't the very first bishop, he helped shape the bishopric into what it would become.
His Background
Edward's name, "Edward," might suggest he came from an Anglo-Norman or even an Anglo-Saxon family. However, we can't be completely sure. The name was popular because of famous figures like the English King Edward the Confessor. It was also the name of a son of King Máel Coluim III. If Edward was indeed from outside Scotland, he would have been the first non-native Scot to become Bishop of Aberdeen.
It is also possible that Edward was the same person who served as the Chancellor of Scotland for King David I in the 1140s. The Chancellor was a very important royal official.
Edward passed away in 1171. His death was recorded in a historical book called the Chronicle of Melrose. After him, Matthew became the new Bishop of Aberdeen.
