Prior of Monymusk facts for kids

The Prior of Monymusk and later the Commendator of Monymusk were important leaders of a special religious community in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. This community was made up of Augustinian canons, who were like priests living together under certain rules. Their home was called Monymusk Priory.

Leaders of Monymusk Priory

For many years, the Priory of Monymusk had a leader called a Prior. Later, this role changed to a Commendator. These leaders were in charge of the priory's property and the people who lived and worked there.

What Was Monymusk Priory?

Imagine a very old monastery or a religious house. That's what Monymusk Priory was! It was a place where a group of religious men, called Augustinian canons, lived together. They followed a set of rules created by Saint Augustine. Their main jobs included praying, studying, and serving the local community. The priory was an important part of life in Aberdeenshire during the Middle Ages.

The Role of a Prior

The Prior was like the head teacher or principal of the priory. They were chosen by the canons themselves. Their job was to manage everything. This included looking after the priory's land, buildings, and money. They also made sure the canons followed their religious rules. The Prior was responsible for the spiritual and daily life of everyone in the community. They were powerful figures in their local area.

The Commendators Take Over

Over time, the way leaders were chosen changed. Instead of the canons choosing their own Prior, a new type of leader appeared: the Commendator. A Commendator was often appointed by the king or another powerful person. Sometimes, these Commendators weren't even monks themselves! They were given the "commend" or care of the priory. This change happened as the power of kings and nobles grew. The Commendator still managed the priory's wealth and lands, but their role was often more about administration than spiritual leadership.

List of Priors and Commendators

Here is a list of the people who led Monymusk Priory over many centuries. This shows how the leadership changed from Priors to Commendators.

Priors of Monymusk

• Máel Brigte (Bricius), from around 1210 or 1211 to 1222
• Unknown abbots
• Alan, active in 1268
• Unknown abbots
• Bernard, active in 1345
• Andrew Cant, 1357-1365
• Unknown abbots
• David de Kynnard, before 1420
• Richard de Donery, 1420-1426
• Robert de Kilconkar, 1424-1429
• Robert de Paisley, 1427-1429 or 1430
• John de Tulach, 1429
• William de Cupar, 1430-1444 or 1450
• William Crannach, 1430
• William Couys (Cowes), 1430-1434
• Laurence de Cupar, 1430
• Robert de Keith, 1434
• John de Luoris (Luchris), 1444
• David Hay, 1450-1464 or 1469
• Thomas Straton, 1469
• Alexander Spens, 1469-1489 or 1491
• John Dugut, before 1489
• William Kermichael (Carmichael), 1489
• Robert Fairweather, 1486-1490
• Laurence Valles, 1490
• Bartholomew de Putellis, 1491
• Richard Strathauchin, 1497-1499 or 1509
• John Aitkenheid, 1509-1523

Commendators of Monymusk

• David Ferlie, 1522-1554 or 1558
• John Elphinstone, 1543-1554 or 1562
• Duncan Sviles, 1546
• John Stewart, 1558
• John Hay, 1558-1573
• Alexander Forbes, 1574-1577
• Robert Forbes, 1577-1614 or 1616