Odo Ydonc facts for kids

Odo Ydonc was an important church leader in Scotland during the 1200s. He belonged to a religious group called the Premonstratensians, who were a type of priest or monk.

We first hear about Odo in 1225. He was present when a special document (a 'charter') was signed by a powerful Scottish noble, Donnchadh, Earl of Carrick. At this time, Odo was already the leader (called an 'Abbot') of Dercongal Abbey. He was the first Abbot of Dercongal we know about.

Odo's Time at Dercongal Abbey

What Was Dercongal Abbey?

Dercongal Abbey was a religious house for Premonstratensian canons. It was also known as Holywood Abbey. Its name comes from the Gaelic or Irish words Doire Conghaill, which means "oak-wood of St Congall".

The abbey was quite new when Odo became its Abbot. It might have been started by Alan, Lord of Galloway. Odo's appearance in records is the first time we learn about the abbey's existence.

Odo's Role as Abbot

In December 1225, an Abbot from Dercongal was mentioned in another important document. Even though his name wasn't written, it was almost certainly Odo. He was acting as a 'papal mandatory', meaning he was given authority by the Pope to carry out certain tasks.

We don't know exactly how long Odo was the Abbot of Dercongal. However, by March 1235, when he next appeared in records, he was no longer the Abbot. This means he had stepped down or been removed from his leadership role sometime between 1225 and 1235.

The Election for Bishop of Galloway

Odo's Nomination

In 1235, the Prior of Whithorn and the canons (priests) of Whithorn Priory needed to choose a new Bishop of Galloway. The previous bishop was Bishop Walter. They decided to choose Odo as their candidate.

Odo was a good choice for them because he was also a Premonstratensian, just like many of the canons at Whithorn. He was "one of them," which made him a natural fit for the role.

King Alexander II's Choice

Unfortunately for Odo, King Alexander II had his own ideas about who should be the next bishop. The King wanted Gilbert of Glenluce, who was a Cistercian monk and a former Abbot of Glenluce Abbey. At this time, Gilbert was a monk at Melrose Abbey.

King Alexander was very interested in who became the new bishop because he had recently put down a rebellion in Galloway. He likely wanted someone loyal to him in such an important position.

The Dispute and Appeals

The canons of Whithorn strongly disagreed with the King's choice. They argued that Gilbert's election was "illegal" because he seemed to be supported only by Michael, the archdeacon of Galloway.

The dispute became so big that both sides appealed to higher authorities. They sent their arguments to the Archbishop of York and even to the Pope himself. Despite the protests, Gilbert was officially made Bishop of Galloway by Archbishop Walter de Gray in York on September 2, 1235.

The Pope's Investigation

Pope Gregory IX's Mandate

Pope Gregory IX got involved in the dispute. On June 9, 1235, he ordered an investigation. He sent a special instruction (a 'mandate') to three church leaders: the Bishop of Rathlure, the Bishop of Raphoe, and the Archdeacon of Raphoe.

These leaders were told to investigate if Odo's election was legal according to canon law (church law). If they found that Odo's election was proper, they were instructed to make him Bishop of Galloway. They were also told to make Gilbert give back anything he had taken as bishop.

Odo's Last Appearance

We don't know the final results of this investigation. Odo was still claiming to be the rightful bishop on June 19, 1241. However, after this date, he disappears from all historical records. We do not know when Odo died.