The Cistercians of Kinloss
Cistercian monastic observance followed the Rule of St Benedict, insisting on plain clothing, two simple meals a day, and an austerity in church furnishings 'in places far from the concourse of men'. They developed an economy based on the direct exploitation of land and became wealthy institutions. To enable the Cistercians to fulfil their spiritual role, lay brethren were encouraged into the monastery to work taking vows along with the monks, providing them with a security that must have been an appealing prospect in times of rising population and shortages of land.
The Daily Round of Work and Prayer
"Seven times a day do I praise thee"
Worship in Church
Matins/Lauds
Prime
Terce
Chapter House
Sect
None
Vespers
Compline
Husbandry of Animals The Bedford Hours, Paris c1423 By permission of the British Library
Cultivation of Crops The Tres Riche Heures of the Duc de Barry c1413 Courtesy of Musee Conde, Chantilly
Fishing the Findhorn Manuscript Dante Divina Comedia Florence c1412 Courtesy of H.P. Kraus, New York
Copying Manuscripts Tripartite Psalter with Gloss Cznterbury c1150 Courtesy of Trinity College Cambridge
Administering the Lands Hugh of St Victor, late 12th C By
permission of the Bodleian Library, Oxford
Music & the Arts Cotton, Microsoft Vespasian AI F.30v Psalter By permission of the British Library
Hospitality Food & Drink Sloane Microsoft 2435, F.44 By permission of the British Library
Building the Abbey The Bedford Hours, Paris c1423 By permission of the British Library
The Abbey Community
Superiors:
Abbot Elected or nominated head of the Abbey with absolute authority
Prior Second in command
Sub Prior Assistant to the Prior
Sacristan Responsible for the church, fittings, ornaments and clothes
Cantor Responsible for the service conducted in the church
Master of Novices Responsible for the training and guidance of all novices
Cellarer Responsible for the care and distribution of food and drink
Kitchener Supervises all cooking
Refectorian Ensures refectory and Lavatorium were ready for ise
Guest Master Responsible for all travellers and guests
Porter Head of security
Almoner Responsible for giving alms to the poor and needy
Infirmarian Responsible for the infirmary and its occupants
Chamberlain Ensures that the monks get clean clothes and bedding
Choir Monks Spend much of the day in prayer, study and literary work
Lay Brothers Spend day of labour around the Abbey or surrounding lands
The
Mother House
Kinloss Abbey was founded from Melrose Abbey in 1150, itself a Daughter House of the great Rievaulx Abbey in Yorkshire. Located near the border with England, Melrose suffered greatly under the hands of successive English Monarchs, damaged by Edward II in 1322 and then by Richard II in 1385.
The heart of Robert the Bruce was buried at Melrose.
The Daughter Houses
As a result of the size and stature of Kinloss, the Abbot was able to found two new monasteries. In 1217 Culross Abbey, Fife was established followed in 1219 by Deer Abbey, Aberdeenshire. Each Abbey required Kinloss to provide an Abbot plus twelve monks.
Significant Abbots
Kinloss had twenty four Abbots in all, of which the following made a major contribution during their time.
1151 Anselm created as the first Abbot
1395 Adam of Teras 15th Abbot
· Started building the Abbots Hall
· Abbacy granted Mitre with seat in Parliament
· Scandal spreads with accounts of immoral lives of the Abbot and monks
1440 John Ellam 18th Abbot
· Brought many gifts and commenced repairs to the fabric of the monastery
· Planned a Bell Tower to stand above the choir of the church
1504 Thomas Chrystall 22nd Abbot
· Spent his office putting right all that had deteriorated over the previous 1oo years
· Sent many monks
away to be properly educated and introduced twelve new monks to the Abbot
1531 Robert Reid 23rd Abbot
· Most prolific and highly respected of the Abbots. Resolved numerous legal battles between the Abbey and local towns
· Renovated and expanded the Abbey including the building of a library
· Commissioned new works of art by Andrew Bairtrum, introduced 123 varieties of Pear and 146 varieties of Apple
· Ambassador to the King, Lord President of the Court of Session
· Later became Bishop of Orkney
· Introduced structured education to Scotland and founded the University of Edinburgh
1553 Walter Reid 24th and last Abbot and nephew of Robert
· Signed the Reformation of Parliament bringing an end to the Monasteries
· Subsequently maintained control of Abbey and grounds, took himself a wife and raised a family
· Gave away much of the Abbey lands and plundered the rest until his death in 1589
Royal Visitors
Monasteries would provide accommodation to whoever asked. This was the case when King Edward I and his invading army stayed at Kinloss in 1303. During their two week stay they consumed a years worth of food and drink. In 1336 Edward III stayed at Kinloss for a week whilst laying siege to Lochindorb Castle. Mary Queen of Scots stayed three nights at Kinloss during her tour of the North in 1562.
( photo captions )
- Melrose Abbey by Slezer Courtesy of The National Library of Scotland
- Culross Abbey by Slezer Courtesy of The National Library of Scotland
- Charter prepared by Robert Reid for Debatable Lands in the borders under Commission from Henry VIII
- Artist unknown Mary, Queen of Scots The Scottish National Portrait Gallery
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