Prior of Oronsay facts for kids
The Prior of Oronsay was the main leader of a religious group called Oronsay Priory. This group was made up of canons regular, who were like monks but followed specific rules. Their home was on the island of Oronsay in Scotland. The priory started around 1353, possibly founded by John of Islay, Lord of the Isles.
We don't know the names of all the priors who led the priory. The last known prior was Robert Lamont, who was chosen in 1555. After a big religious change in Scotland called the Scottish Reformation in 1560, the priory's land and property were given to Maol Choluim MacDubhthaich. At this time, the religious community likely stopped existing. Later, in 1583, King James VI of Scotland gave the property to the Bishop of the Isles when he became king.
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The Priory of Oronsay and Its Leaders
The Prior of Oronsay was the head of the Oronsay Priory. This priory was a home for canons regular. These were religious men who lived together and followed a set of rules, similar to monks. Their priory was located on the small island of Oronsay, off the coast of Scotland.
A Look at the Priory's History
The Oronsay Priory was active by the year 1353. It might have been started by a powerful person named John of Islay, Lord of the Isles. For many years, leaders called "priors" guided the community.
However, things changed a lot in Scotland during the Scottish Reformation in 1560. This was a time when the country's main religion shifted. After this, the Oronsay Priory stopped being a home for canons. Its lands and buildings were then put under the control of other people.
The last known prior was Robert Lamont, who was elected in 1555. After the Reformation, a person named Maol Choluim MacDubhthaich was given control of the priory's property. It seems the religious group itself ended around this time. Later, in 1583, King James VI of Scotland gave the priory's lands to the Bishop of the Isles.
Who Were the Priors and Commendators?
Over the years, many people led the Oronsay Priory. Some were called "priors," who were the traditional leaders. After the priory's religious community ended, others called "commendators" managed its property. Here are the names of some of these leaders that we know about. Some dates are not fully known.
Leaders of the Priory
- ???, around 1353
- Martin, before 1362
- Maurice de Oronsay, 1362-1382 (or before 1396)
- Domhnall MacMhuirich, 1397-1426
- Dúghall MacEain (Dugall McKane), 1426-1472
- Dúghall MacDomhnaill (Donaldi), 1472
- Domhnall "Macyroull", 1499
- Domhnall MacPháil, 1538
- Domhnall MacDubhtaich (Donald MacDuffie or MacFee), 1538-1554
- Eoin MacMhuirich, 1554-1558
- Robert Lamont, 1555
The Commendators
- Maol Choluim MacDubhthaich (Malcolm MacDuffie or Macilfie), 1561-1583
