Matthew (bishop of Aberdeen) facts for kids

Matthew (died 1199) was an important church leader in Scotland during the 1100s. He played a significant role in the Scottish church, holding high positions and helping to guide religious life in the country.

Matthew's Early Church Career

Matthew's first known important job in the church was as the Archdeacon of St Andrews. An archdeacon is a senior church official who helps the bishop manage the church's affairs in a certain area. Matthew was the very first person known to hold this position in St Andrews. We know he was an archdeacon from old documents that date back to sometime between 1147 and 1152.

Becoming Bishop of Aberdeen

In 1172, the Bishop of Aberdeen, named Edward, passed away. Matthew, who was then the Archdeacon, was chosen to take his place. He officially became the new Bishop of Aberdeen on April 2, 1172. A bishop is a high-ranking church leader who oversees a group of churches and priests in a specific region, called a diocese.

Important Church Events

As a bishop, Matthew was involved in many important church events. For example, he was the main church leader in charge of the ceremony where John the Scot became the Bishop of Dunkeld. This special event, called a consecration, happened at Holyrood Abbey on June 15, 1180.

Connections and Family

Matthew kept strong connections to the region of Fife in Scotland. His name appears in many old official documents, called charters, that were related to Fife. This shows he remained active and influential there. Matthew also had a brother named Odo. Odo worked as a dapifer, which means he was a steward or manager, for Ernald, who was the Bishop of St Andrews from 1160 to 1163. Matthew's family might have later become known by the surname "de Kininmund."

Matthew passed away on August 20, 1199. After his death, another church leader named John, who was the prior (head) of Kelso Abbey, took over his role.