William de Deyn facts for kids

William de Deyn (died 1350) was an important Scottish monk and church leader in the 1300s. We don't know much about his early life. He earned a special university degree called a licentiate in decrees (which means church law). He also became a Tironensian monk, a member of a specific religious group.

By 1329, and maybe even earlier in 1327, William de Deyn was the Abbot of Kilwinning. This means he was the head of Kilwinning Abbey, a Tironensian monastery in Cunninghame that had been around since the 1160s. He first appears in historical records as a witness to a legal document called a charter for Walter Comyn of Rowallan.

Becoming a Bishop

In 1344, William de Deyn was chosen to become the Bishop of Aberdeen. This might have happened with the help of the Stewart family, who were powerful at the time. He took over from Alexander de Kininmund.

Travel and Consecration

Deyn traveled to continental Europe for his new role. By September 27, he had gone through a special ceremony called consecration. This ceremony officially made him a bishop. Cardinal Peter Despres performed his consecration.

Working for the Pope

In May 1345, the Pope gave William de Deyn another important job. He was made Scotland's official tax collector for the Pope. Deyn did this duty, sending the money he collected to the Pope through merchants in Bruges.

Important Meetings

In 1347, Deyn was one of the important people who asked the Pope to approve the marriage of Robert Stewart and Elizabeth More of Rowallan. This was a big deal because Robert Stewart later became King of Scotland. In 1349, Deyn was also present when the Justiciar of Scotia (a high legal official) held court. This meeting took place at the standing stones near Old Rayne in Garioch.

Death and Burial

William de Deyn passed away on August 20, 1350. He was buried in the choir area of Aberdeen Cathedral.