Strath Fillan Priory facts for kids
Strath Fillan Priory was a small religious building in Scotland. It was a priory, which is like a monastery, for a group of monks called Augustinians. This priory was located in a place called Strath Fillan, in what is now the Stirling area of Scotland.
King Robert I of Scotland, also known as Robert the Bruce, likely started this priory in 1318. He gave it to the canons (who are like priests) from Inchaffray Abbey. The king wanted them to properly honor Saint Fillan, a saint who was very popular with Scottish kings in the 1300s.
What Was a Priory?
A priory was a type of monastery, but often smaller or dependent on a larger abbey. Monks or canons lived there to pray, study, and work. The Augustinians were a specific group of canons who followed the rules of Saint Augustine. They lived together in a community, dedicating their lives to God.
Why Was It Built?
King Robert I founded Strath Fillan Priory for a special reason. He wanted to honor Saint Fillan, a very important saint in Scotland. Kings often supported religious places to show their faith and to gain blessings. Giving the priory to Inchaffray Abbey meant that experienced canons would manage it. This helped ensure that Saint Fillan was celebrated in the way the king wanted.
What Happened to the Priory?
After a period called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, many religious houses in Scotland changed hands. This was a time when the government took control of church lands and buildings. Strath Fillan Priory eventually came under the control of powerful families. By 1607, it was owned by the Campbell family. It became part of the secular lordship of Archibald Campbell of Glencarradale. "Secular lordship" means it was no longer a church property but a private estate.
