John Bullock (bishop) facts for kids

John Bullock was an Augustinian monk and an important church leader in Scotland during the 1400s. He was born sometime before 1409 and died around 1439 or 1440.

He studied at a university and became a priest. He also held several church jobs before becoming the Bishop of Ross in 1418. He was the Bishop of Ross until he died.

John Bullock's Early Life and Education

Historians do not know much about John Bullock's early life. We know he went to a university. He earned a special degree called a Bachelor of Decrees. This degree was in canon law, which is the law of the church. He got this degree sometime between 1409 and 1417.

John Bullock was a type of monk called a canon regular. He belonged to the church area of St. Andrews.

Church Roles Before Becoming Bishop

In 1409, John Bullock was a priest in charge of the church area of Dull. This was in the Dunkeld church area.

Later that year, he asked Pope Benedict XIII for permission to also be in charge of the church area of Tranent. This was in the St. Andrews church area. The Pope agreed to his request.

In 1417, John Bullock was one of three church leaders who wanted to be the head of St Andrews Cathedral Priory. This was a very important monastery. However, he gave up this claim the next year. He did this because he had the chance to become the Bishop of Ross.

Becoming the Bishop of Ross

On March 9, 1418, the Pope officially chose John Bullock to be the Bishop of Ross. The previous bishop, Alexander, had died. This meant the position was open for the Pope to choose someone new.

Just two days later, on March 11, John was given special permission. He could be made a bishop by any bishop he chose. Two other bishops would need to help with the ceremony.

Changes After Bullock's Appointment

On March 15, another papal letter was sent. It stated that John Begiert, also an Augustinian monk, would take over Bullock's old job. Begiert became the priest in charge of Dull. This job became open because John Bullock was promoted to Bishop of Ross.

The Pope had decided that he would choose the next Bishop of Ross himself. The church leaders in Fortrose did not know this. They had already chosen someone named Thomas Lyell.

Because of this, Thomas Lyell was given 40 crowns (a type of money) to cover his costs. This was on March 16. Two days later, he was also given a special position in the Aberdeen church area. He could hold this job along with his other church roles.

When Bullock Became Bishop

John Bullock officially took control of the Bishop of Ross's lands and money by August 1, 1419.

He was formally made a bishop between July 16 and August 16, 1420. On July 16, he sent a representative to a church meeting. He was called "elect and confirmed" then. By August 16, he was signing a document as "through the grace of Gode Byschop of Rosse." This means "by the grace of God, Bishop of Ross."

Papal Confirmation and Later Life

The church had gone through a difficult time called the Western Schism. This was when there were multiple popes. To help heal the church, Pope Martin V confirmed Bullock's appointment. This happened on February 1, 1423. This confirmation made sure all of Bullock's actions as bishop were valid.

We do not know many details about Bullock's time as bishop. On September 4, 1439, Bishop Bullock signed an important agreement. This agreement was between Joan Beaufort, the Queen Mother, and Sir Alexander Livingston of Callendar. The agreement made Livingston the guardian of the young king, James II of Scotland.

John Bullock died sometime between September 4, 1439, and September 26, 1440. After his death, the Pope chose Thomas de Tulloch to be the new Bishop of Ross. The Pope did not approve of Andrew Munro, who had been suggested for the role.