Robert I (bishop of Ross) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Robert (I.) |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Ross | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| See | Diocese of Ross |
| In Office | 1214–1249 |
| Predecessor | Andreas de Moravia / Reinald Macer |
| Successor | Robert (II.) |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 17 February × 7 July 1215 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | unknown unknown |
| Died | c. 1249 |
| Previous post | Royal Chaplain |
Robert Capellanus (which means "Robert the Chaplain") was an important religious leader in Scotland long ago. He lived around the 1200s and was a special helper, called a chaplain, for King William I of Scotland. Later, he became the Bishop of Ross, a big job leading the church in that area, from 1214 to about 1249.
Robert's Role as King's Chaplain
Robert Capellanus was first known as a chaplain to King William I of Scotland. This meant he was a trusted religious advisor and helper to the king. We know he was active by 1213, when he signed a document about Arbroath Abbey.
It can be a bit confusing because there was another chaplain named Robert at the time. However, historians are sure that Robert Capellanus was a different person. He didn't use a last name, which was common back then. This makes it harder to find out more about his early life. Many people from Norman and Anglo-Norman backgrounds came to Scotland during King William's rule, and many had the name Robert.
Becoming Bishop of Ross
The person who was bishop before Robert, Reinald Macer, passed away. After his death, a man named Andreas de Moravia was chosen to be the next Bishop of Ross. However, Andreas decided he didn't want the job. He asked the Pope for permission to refuse, and the Pope agreed.
Because Andreas said no, Robert Capellanus was then chosen to take his place. This happened before King William died in December 1214. Robert was called "bishop-elect" in February 1215. By July of the same year, he had been officially consecrated, meaning he had completed the special ceremony to become a bishop.
Robert's Time as Bishop
Robert served as Bishop of Ross during the reign of King Alexander II of Scotland. His name appears on several important documents from this time, including in 1226, 1227, and 1228.
In 1235, Pope Gregory IX gave Bishop Robert special permission. This allowed him to increase the number of "prebends" in his cathedral. Prebends were like special funds or incomes given to priests who served in the cathedral. This permission also allowed Robert to make the cathedral bigger and better.
Some historians believe that Bishop Robert Capellanus was the one who started building the Ross cathedral. He likely died around the year 1249. His successor, another bishop also named Robert, continued his work.
