Inchmahome Priory facts for kids
Inchmahome Priory is an ancient religious building located on Inchmahome, the largest of three islands in the middle of the Lake of Menteith. This beautiful spot is found near Aberfoyle in Scotland.
The name "Inchmahome" comes from the Gaelic words Innis MoCholmaig. This means "island of St Colmaig," honoring an early saint.
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The Priory's Beginnings
The priory was started in 1238 by Walter Comyn, who was the Earl of Menteith. He built it for a small group of Augustinian monks, also known as the Black Canons. The Comyn family was very powerful in Scotland back then. They even had a large country house on Inch Talla, another island on the Lake of Menteith. Some clues suggest there might have been a church on the island even before the priory was built.
Famous Guests and Royal Visits
Throughout its long history, Inchmahome Priory welcomed many important people.
- King Robert the Bruce visited three times: in 1306, 1308, and 1310. His visits were likely about politics. The first prior (the head of the priory) had promised loyalty to Edward I, the king of England.
- In 1358, the future King Robert II also stayed at the priory.
- Perhaps the most famous visitor was Queen Mary. In 1547, when she was only four years old, the priory became a safe hiding place for her. She stayed there for a few weeks after the Scottish army suffered a big defeat at the Battle of Pinkie Cleugh. This battle was part of a conflict called "the Rough Wooing," where England tried to force a marriage between Mary and the English prince.
Changes and Decline
In the 16th century, the monastic orders (groups of monks and nuns) began to decline. This happened faster when local landowners started choosing the heads of abbeys and priories. These landowners often didn't share the religious goals of the monks or priests.
In 1547, the leadership of Inchmahome Priory went to John, Lord Erskine. He later became the head of other important abbeys. After the Scottish Reformation, a major religious change in Scotland, no new priests were trained. Religious land and buildings slowly moved into secular (non-religious) hands. This naturally led to the priory's decline.
In 1606, the land and property became part of the Erskine family's possessions. Later, it passed to the Marquess of Montrose. In 1926, the 6th Duke of Montrose gave the priory into the care of the State.
Inchmahome Priory Today
Today, most of the priory buildings are ruins. However, much of the original 13th-century structure is still standing. It is now looked after by Historic Environment Scotland. They work to maintain and protect it as a scheduled ancient monument, which means it's an important historical site.
The author, socialist and nationalist politician Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham, and his wife Gabriela are buried in the ruined part of the priory. There is also a stone remembering his nephew and heir, Admiral A.E.M.B. Cunninghame Graham.
You can visit the priory by taking a boat. This boat runs between March and September and leaves from the nearby pier at the Port of Menteith.
See also
In Spanish: Priorato de Inchmahome para niños
- Prior of Inchmahome, for a list of the priory's leaders
- Scheduled monuments in Stirling
