Robert de Keldeleth facts for kids

Robert de Keldeleth (also known as Robert Kenleith) was an important religious leader in Scotland during the 1200s. He started his career as a Benedictine monk and later became a Cistercian monk. Robert was the leader (called an Abbot) of two major Scottish abbeys: Dunfermline Abbey and Melrose Abbey. He also held a very important government job as the Chancellor of Scotland.

Becoming an Abbot

Robert's name might mean he came from a place called Kinleith in Midlothian, Scotland. He began his journey as a monk at Dunfermline Abbey in Fife. In 1240, after the previous abbot died, Robert was chosen to be the new Abbot of Dunfermline.

He became one of Dunfermline's most successful abbots. He had a very good relationship with King Alexander II of Scotland. In 1245, the King asked Pope Innocent IV to give Abbot Robert special permission. This allowed Robert to use a mitre (a special hat) and a ring. These items showed the abbey's higher status.

Robert also helped make Dunfermline Abbey even more important. He led a successful effort to make Saint Margaret of Scotland an official saint. Saint Margaret was believed to have founded Dunfermline. Her remains were moved to a special shrine in June 1250. Robert's good relationship with the Pope helped with these successes. The Pope even asked Robert to help settle a disagreement with the Bishop of St Andrews about a church position.

Robert and Scottish Politics

Robert's career continued to grow. Sometime between 1247 and 1251, he became the Chancellor of Scotland. This was a very high position, like a chief advisor to the King.

After King Alexander II died in 1249, Robert was part of a group called the Council of Guardians. This group was formed to help rule Scotland because the new king, Alexander III of Scotland, was still a child.

The Council of Guardians soon split into two main groups, called factions. One group followed Walter Comyn, and the other followed Alan Durward. Robert became a strong supporter of Alan Durward.

Later, the Comyn group accused Robert of using his power as Chancellor. They said he tried to make Durward's wife, who was a daughter of Alexander II, the official heir to the throne. This would have made Durward next in line to be king. However, in 1251, Walter Comyn's group gained control of the government. As a result, Robert lost his job as Chancellor in 1252.

Life as a Cistercian Monk

In the same year, 1252, Robert decided to step down as Abbot of Dunfermline. He then became a Cistercian monk at Newbattle Abbey. Even though he was no longer an abbot, Robert still played a role in important events. He kept his good relationship with Pope Innocent.

In 1260, Robert acted as a messenger between King Alexander III of Scotland and King Henry III of England. This shows he was still trusted and respected.

By the late 1260s, Robert rose to the position of Abbot again. He was chosen to become the Abbot of Melrose after the previous abbot resigned. Melrose Abbey was the main Cistercian monastery in Scotland, and being its abbot was a very senior role. Robert held this position for four years. He resigned and passed away in 1273. He was likely buried at Melrose Abbey.