George Learmond facts for kids
George Learmond (who was sometimes called Learmonth) was a Scottish monk who lived a long time ago, from about 1478 to 1531. He was a member of the Benedictine order, which is a group of Christian monks. George Learmond held important positions in the church. He was a leader (called a Prior) at a monastery named Pluscarden Abbey and was almost chosen to be a top church leader (a Bishop) in Aberdeen.
Early Life and Education
George Learmond was likely born around the year 1478. He went to the University of St Andrews, which is a famous university in Scotland. In 1498, he earned a special degree called a Master of Arts. This showed he had studied a lot and was very smart.
After university, George Learmond kept his connections with St Andrews. He also held several church jobs, which were called "benefices." He worked in St Andrews from 1498 to 1503. Then, he moved to Fordoun in Kincardineshire and worked there from 1503 to 1509.
Becoming Prior of Pluscarden
In March 1509, George Learmond was chosen for a very important role. King James IV of Scotland appointed him as the Prior of Pluscarden. A Prior is like the head of a monastery, leading the monks who live there. This monastery, Pluscarden, was quite independent. This meant that other powerful monasteries, like Dunfermline Abbey, did not control who became Prior at Pluscarden.
George Learmond served as Prior for twenty years. During this time, he lived a quiet life as a monk. Not much is known about what he did during these years, suggesting his time as Prior was peaceful and focused on his religious duties.
A New Role and His Death
George Learmond's quiet life changed on May 20, 1529. Pope Clement VII, the leader of the Catholic Church, chose him for an even bigger job. He was appointed as a coadjutor and successor to Bishop Gavin Dunbar of Aberdeen. A coadjutor bishop is someone who helps a bishop and is expected to take over when the current bishop leaves or dies.
However, George Learmond never became the full Bishop of Aberdeen. He passed away on March 18, 1531, before Bishop Gavin Dunbar.
