Scolland facts for kids
Scolland of Canterbury, also called Scotland, was an important leader at St Augustine's Abbey. He was the abbot, which means he was the head monk. This was during a very big event in history called the Norman conquest of England. Scolland also helped Lanfranc, who was the top church leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury. He was known for building new parts of his abbey and for honoring Saint Augustine in Canterbury.
Scolland's Role and Work
Scolland was a close helper to Archbishop Lanfranc. He was involved in a big discussion about which church leader was more important: Lanfranc of Canterbury or Thomas of Bayeux, the Bishop of York. This was called the primacy debate.
In 1073, Scolland traveled to Rome as an ambassador. An ambassador is like a representative for a country or a group. In Rome, he spoke up for Saint Augustine. He said Augustine was the "apostle to the English." This idea helped Canterbury become seen as the most important church center in England.
In 1075, Scolland signed an important statement. This happened at a big meeting called the Council of London. At this meeting, Archbishop Lanfranc gave his blessing to Scolland.
Scolland also worked on rebuilding many parts of St Augustine's Abbey. He used the Romanesque style, which was a popular way to build churches and other large buildings at that time. It often featured thick walls and round arches.
Scolland passed away in 1087. After him, a person named Wido became the abbot.
Scolland in History Books
Scolland is mentioned in a very old and important book called the Doomesday Book. This book was a survey of England made by William the Conqueror. In it, Scolland is listed as a Tenant-in-chief. This means he held land directly from the king in an area called Kent.
He also saw and approved many important papers, called deeds, signed by William the Conqueror. His name is also found in a collection of royal documents called "regesta regum anglo-normannorum." Scolland even appears in the life story, or Vita, of St Dunstan.
Scolland and the Bayeux Tapestry
Before coming to Canterbury, Scolland was the head monk in the scriptorium at Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel. A scriptorium was a room where monks copied and created manuscripts, which are handwritten books. He brought many new ideas and techniques from France to Canterbury. He also brought many French manuscripts with him.
Some historians think Scolland might have helped design the famous Bayeux Tapestry. This is because he was in charge of the scriptorium at Mont Saint-Michel. He also traveled to see famous Roman art, like Trajan's Column. Plus, he knew people named Wadard and Vital, who are shown in the tapestry.
Another historian, Richard Gameson, has suggested that one of the monks shown in the Bayeux Tapestry is Abbot Scolland. This monk is pointing towards the Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel.
