Gilbert of Dunkeld facts for kids

Gilbert of Dunkeld was an important church leader in the 1200s. He lived in Scotland and became a bishop of Dunkeld. Bishops were very powerful people in the Middle Ages. They helped lead the church in a specific area called a diocese. Gilbert's story shows how people became leaders in the church long ago.

Gilbert of Dunkeld: A 13th-Century Bishop

Gilbert started his work in the church as a chaplain. A chaplain is like a personal priest or assistant. He worked for Bishop Hugh de Sigillo in the Dunkeld area. This was a good way to learn about how the church worked.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1229, the bishop of Dunkeld, Matthew the Scot, passed away suddenly. The church leaders in the area, known as the chapter, needed to choose a new bishop. They decided to elect Gilbert. This was a big honor and showed that they trusted him. We don't know all the details about when he officially became bishop, but it was a very important step in his life.

Inchcolm Abbey: A Big Change

One of the most important things Gilbert did as bishop was to help a place called Inchcolm Priory. A priory is a type of monastery, a place where monks live and pray. During Gilbert's time, this priory was made into an abbey. An abbey is a larger and more important monastery.

Inchcolm Priory was special because it was in Gilbert's diocese of Dunkeld. It had been started by the church in Dunkeld a long time ago. It was named after Saint Columba, just like Dunkeld Cathedral. That's why it was called Insula Columbae, which means "island of Columba" in Latin. In the local language, it was Innse Choluim.

On May 22, 1235, Pope Gregory IX wrote to Bishop Gilbert. The Pope is the head of the Catholic Church. He gave permission for Inchcolm Priory to become an abbey. The Pope also told Gilbert to give some money from the bishop's own funds to the new abbey. This helped the monks at Inchcolm Abbey.

Gilbert's Final Years

Gilbert of Dunkeld died in 1236, not long after the changes at Inchcolm Abbey. He was buried at Inchcolm Abbey, the very place he helped make more important. We know about some of his actions because one official document, called a charter, from his time as bishop still exists today.