William (bishop of Dunblane) facts for kids

William (died in the early 1290s) was an important church leader in Scotland during the late 1200s. He was a Tironensian abbot (the head of a monastery) and later a bishop (a high-ranking church official). We first learn about him in records from April 25, 1276, when he was the Abbot of Arbroath. He likely became abbot in 1275 or 1276, after the previous abbot, Adam de Inverlunan, passed away.

William's Journey to Bishop

William served as the abbot of Arbroath Abbey until 1284. In that year, he was chosen to become the Bishop of Dunblane. The abbots of Arbroath were special members, called canons, of Dunblane Cathedral. During this time, the role of bishop often went to either full-time Dunblane canons or these special ex officio canons, like the abbots of Arbroath.

Becoming Bishop

William's election as bishop seemed to be a choice everyone agreed on. He then traveled to the Pope's court to get his new role officially approved. After formally giving up his rights to the bishopric to the Pope, he was officially appointed. On December 18, 1284, he was consecrated (officially made a bishop) by Cardinal Ordonius.

Church Property and Disputes

During his time as Bishop of Dunblane, William faced a disagreement over who had the right to appoint a church leader. This happened when a vicar (a local priest) named Richard de Stirling passed away in Strogeith.

Conflict with Inchaffray Abbey

Maol Íosa III, the Earl of Strathearn, used his power to convince Bishop William to appoint Roger de Legerwood to the empty vicar position. Roger was the Earl's chaplain (a private priest). Bishop William believed it was his right to make this appointment. However, Hugh, Abbot of Inchaffray, argued that his abbey, Inchaffray Abbey, had the superior right. He sent many legal documents to prove his point.

On September 21, 1287, at Arbroath, Bishop William publicly agreed that Inchaffray's rights were stronger. A week later, a final agreement was reached at Kenmore. William gave in to Inchaffray's claims. Interestingly, the Abbot of Inchaffray still appointed Roger de Legerwood to the position.

Protecting Church Property

In 1291, Pope Nicholas IV gave Bishop William permission to make everyone in his diocese swear oaths about church property. This meant valuing all church belongings, like lands and altars. This was done to help churches get back money owed to them, especially for unpaid funeral costs. The Pope also told Bishop William to make sure his own property would go to the church after he died. William had complained about a "bad custom" where the Earls of Strathearn would take the property of bishops who had passed away.

William and Scottish Independence

William's time as bishop happened during the start of the First War of Scottish Independence. He was one of the important leaders in Scotland who agreed to the Treaty of Salisbury at the Birgham meeting in 1290.

Loyalty to England

On July 12, 1291, William swore an oath of loyalty to the English king, Edward I of England. He was also likely one of the forty people chosen by John de Balliol to present his claim to the Scottish throne to King Edward I on June 5, 1292.

William did not live long enough to play a big part in the wars that started after 1296. He is not mentioned in any records after that time. He likely died in 1294 or 1295. His successor, Alpín, was chosen sometime after May 4, 1295, and was consecrated as bishop by October 16, 1296.