Gregoir of Moray facts for kids
Gregoir of Moray, also known as Giric or Gregory, was an important person in early Scottish history. He was the very first recorded Bishop of Moray. A bishop is a high-ranking leader in the church. Gregoir's name appears in old official documents called charters.
Who Was Gregoir of Moray?
Gregoir of Moray was the first person we know for sure was a bishop in the area of Moray, Scotland. Being 'attested' means his name was officially recorded in historical papers. His church area, called an Episcopal See, was Moray.
Gregoir's Name in Old Documents
Gregoir's name, along with his role as Bishop of Moray, is found in the witness lists of two important charters. A charter was like an official written agreement or law from a king. A witness list showed who was present and agreed to the charter.
- The first charter was from King Alexander I of Scotland. It explained the legal powers of the Priory of Scone. A priory is a type of monastery. This charter was signed sometime after 1123 or 1124. This is because another person on the witness list was "Robert, Bishop Elect of St. Andrews." A Bishop Elect is someone chosen to be a bishop but not yet officially made one. Some historians think this charter might even be from 1114.
- The second charter is from 1128. It was a confirmation by King David I of Scotland. This charter confirmed the rights of the church of Dunfermline.
Gregoir and Scone Priory
The name "Bishop Gregoir" also appears in the founding charter of Scone Priory. This charter does not mention "Moray" next to his name. Sir Archibald Lawrie dated this charter to 1120. However, there is good evidence that Scone Priory might have been founded earlier, possibly as early as 1114.
Gregoir, Bishop of Moray, is most likely the "Bishop Gregoir" mentioned in the Scone founding charter. He is the closest known Gregoir from that time period. Also, Gregoir of Moray later officially witnessed another charter that was connected to Scone. This makes it very likely that he was the same person.
