Restenneth Priory facts for kids
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Restenneth Priory was a special kind of monastery built in 1153. It was founded by another big monastery called Jedburgh Abbey. King Malcolm IV of Scotland helped start it. This priory was home to a group of monks known as Augustinian canons.
Even though there aren't many old writings about it, clues from digging up the site show that a religious building was here a very long time ago. Some people even think Restenneth might have been a much older church. This church was built for King Nechtán mac Der Ilei of the Picts in 710. It was dedicated to St Peter.
Contents
What Was Restenneth Priory Like?
Restenneth Priory was always quite small. It depended a lot on its main monastery, Jedburgh Abbey. For example, in 1501, there were only two canons living there. Their yearly income was about £120. To compare, a much larger abbey like Arbroath had an income of £10,924 in 1561!
Changes Over Time
In 1501, there was a plan to make the priory part of the Royal Chapel. But this didn't happen. Later, King James IV of Scotland suggested it join the archbishopric of St Andrews. This also didn't happen, as leaders of the priory were still recorded.
However, in 1606, the priory changed. It became a private estate for Thomas Erskine, Viscount Fentoun. After a big change in religion called the Reformation, the priory had new owners. One famous owner was George Dempster of Dunnichen (1732-1818). He chose part of the old church as a burial place for his family. It's also believed that John Bruce was buried here around 1327. He was the youngest son of King Robert I of Scots and his second wife, Elizabeth de Burgh. John was the twin brother of David II of Scotland.
Exploring the Priory Today
Today, most of Restenneth Priory is in ruins. Only the tower still stands tall. These ruins are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means they are very important historical sites.
Visiting Restenneth Priory
If you want to visit, Restenneth Priory is just outside the town of Forfar. It shares a road with the Angus Archives. There's a short path from the parking area to the priory. When you are at the priory, you can't see the town or nearby roads. All you see are fields and the old buildings. It feels like stepping back in time!
See also
- Prior of Restenneth, for a list of the leaders of the priory
