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M D I.
(BEGINNING OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.)
1501.—BEGINNING OF THE
16TH CENTURY—JAMES STUART, Second Son of James III., Commendator of
Dunfermline Abbey.—At this period there were 38 monks and about 1
officials connected with the Abbey. Population within the walls of the
Abbey, about 50. The population of the burgh, about 1300. David Coupar,
Alderman or Provost. Trades: Smiths, weavers, shoemakers, tailors,
masons, wrights, bakers, and fleshers. At this period there was much
“religious discontent” in Dunfermline, as in other monastic towns. (See
Annals, “Destruction of the Abbey in 1560.”) Annexed is a Plan of
Dunfermline in 1501, compiled by the writer from old sketches of “landes,
yairds,” &c., in the burgh, and from title deeds and charters, which the
reader may with confidence receive as a correct “Plan of the Burgh and the
Abbey Grounds of Dunfermline in 1501.”
1502.—THE ABBACY OF
DUNFERMLINE held in Perpetual Commendam by James Stuart, Second Son of
James III.—In the year 1502 the Abbacy of Dunfermline was bestowed in
commendam on James Stuart, son of King James III., who, although then very
young, was Archbishop of St. Andrews, Abbot of Arbroath, Duke of Ross,
Marquis of Ormond, Earl of Ardmenach, Lord of Brechin and Nevar, and
Chancellor of the Kingdom of Scotland. This Prince was then only 26 years
old! (See Annals, date 1478, “Lord Abbots of Dunf.;” Keith’s Scot.
Bishops, p. 33; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 193.) This James is styled
James I., and is the 30th, acting as Abbot of Dunfermline.
1504.—JAMES STUART,
Commendator of Dunfermline, died in the winter of 1503-1504, in the 28th
year of his age, and was interred at St. Andrews.
JAMES BETON, Lord Abbot
of Dunfermline.—In the year 1504, James Beton or Bethune, youngest son of
the Laird of Balfour, in Fife, and Provost of Bothwell, succeeded James
Stuart, as Lord Abbot of Dunfermline. (Bannatyne Club Miscel. p. 162;
Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 193.) This Abbot, styled James II., is the
31st Abbot of Dunfermline. It may be here noted that this Abbot became a
Lord of Session in 1504-1505; Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, in 1505;
Bishop-elect of Glasgow, in 1508; Archbishop of Glasgow, in 1509 (when he
resigned the office of Treasurer); Chancellor of the Kingdom, in 1514; and
in 1524, became Abbot of Arbroath and Kilwinning, and one of the Lords of
the Regency; and, lastly, Archbishop of St. Andrews, from 1522 to 1539.
Plurality of offices, such as noted here, was very prevalent at this
period. Such abuses hastened on the Reformation.
1505.—DUNBAR’S POEM and
the Sojourning of the King at Dunfermline.—King James IV. resided much in
his palace at Dunfermline during this year. On one of his visits, it
would appear, that “he had indulged in some libertine pranks,” which was
made the subject of a poem by the witty Dunbar, entitled “The Tod and
Lamb, or the Wooing of the King when he was at Dumfermling,” for which see
Dunbar’s Poems. (Mercer’s Hist. Dunf. p. 59.)
1506.—EAST HAILES.—The
lands of East Hailes, in Collington parish, near Edinburgh, granted by
James, Abbot of Dunfermline, to Thomas Forrester, of Strathenry. (Print.
Regist. Dunf. No. 506, p. 379; see Annals, dates 1128, 1484, &c.)
1507.—“ENDENTOURE OF
SYMON KARWOUR, WRYCHT, AND HIS PRENTICE.”—The following “Endentoure,” made
this year, is to be found in the Register of Dunfermline (No. 463, p.
361). As it is curious, somewhat we give it in full:--
“Thir Endentoures maid at
Dunfermlyn ye xiv day of ye moneth of May, the zhere of God l. v. vii
zeires (1507) proportis and beris witness in ye self, yt it is appointit
and finaly concordat betuix ane venerable fadir in Crist James be ye
permissione of God abbot of Dunfemrlyn and ye convent of yt ilk on ye ta
part and ane discret man, Simon Karuore on ye tothye part in form, maner,
and affek as eftir followis—yt is to say yt ye said Symon is bundyn and
oblist to ye said venerable fader and ye said convent, for all and hail ye
dais of his lyfe yt he sall remane and wirk in ye said abba in ye craft of
ye wryt craft and repare all neidfull werks of ye samyn als far has he
hafe knawlege and ye said venerable fader and convente and yair successors
is bund and oblist to pay ye Symon for his labor doing zeirly xxti merks
of vsual monet of Scotland, ane chalder of meil, with thre bollis of mault,
to be payt at four tymes in ye zher, yt is to say, at Whitsonday, lames,
martynmes, and candilmes; and at ilk ane of ye termes v merks of siluer wt
ye victail afferand yrto and ane quartit terme to begyn wy—and ay sa furth,
terme efter followand. the said Symon sall haiff till prestyss four
merkes of siluer and ane chalder of meil till his met, and his clathes ilk
zere, sa lang as he is prentyss, and ye said venerable fader and convent
and yr successors sal wphald ye said Symonis werk lumys, or ellis ane
conter yrfor till wphald yaim—and gif ye case be yt ye said WF (venerable
fader) lenys ye said Symon till ony outwt ye place ye said Symonis fee
sall stand haill till his self, sik like as he had wrocht his werk in ye
said place, and till all and syndry ye puntces articles, and condicions be
fullillie and hailily completit, observit, and keipit—for ye part of thir
endentouris remanand wt ye said Symon Karwour ye commone seil of ye said
abbay sall be hungin—and to ye ta part remenand wy ye W.F. and convent, ye
said Symon has procurat, wt instans, ye seil of ane honorable man Dauid
cupir, aldirman of ye said burgh to be hungin.—before ys witnesses Maistr
Jhone trumbil Vicar of Cleigh (Cleish),--Schir JHONE GUDSWAYNE, chaplains
and ARCHEBALD STEWART, wyt synis devirsis.” (Print. Regist. Dunf. No.
463, p. 361; Fernie’s Hist. Dunf. pp. 197-199.)
THE SWORD OF STATE,
CONSECRATED HAT, AND THE ABBOT OF DUNFERMLINE.—The year Pope Julius II.
presented a Sword of State and a Consecrated Hat to King James IV. “They
were delivered with great solemnity and ceremony in the Abbey Church of
Holyrood, by the Papal Legate and the Abbot of Dunfermline. (Dundee
Weekly News, 19th February, 1876.)
1508.—JOHANNES SCOTT.—On
a gravestone, in the pavement of the original Choir, viz., near the middle
of the center flagstones in the Auld Kirk, there will be found the –
“JOHANNES SCOTT.”
M.V.VIII.
There have been many
surmises as to whose remains are here indicated, but without any result;
as this stone is so near the site of the old Rood Altar, it would appear
that he must have been a man of position. Dr. Chalmers, in his History of
Dunfermline (vol. i. p. 123), says, “It is believed to be the now oldest
legible inscription of the once lettered pavement of the Abbey Church.”
He was probably the John Scott mentioned in the list of Chaplains at p.
179 An. of Dunf.
1509.—COLDINGHAM PRIORY
again Annexed to Dunfermline Abbey (see “Annals,” date 1487).—This year,
by order of Pope Julius II., the Priory of Coldingham was again and
finally withdrawn from Durham, and annexed inalienably to the Abbey of
Dunfermline, under the jurisdiction of which it continued till the
Reformation in 1560. (Carr’s Hist. of Coldingham, p. 310; Chal. Hist.
Dunf. vol. i. p. 241, &c.)
1510.—THE ABBOT RESIGNED
HIS OFFICE.—James Bethune, or Beton, in consequence of the intrigues and
disputes with those in power, resigned his position as Abbot of
Dunfermline. (Keith’s Scot Bishops, p. 35, &c.: vide Annals, date 1522.)
ALEXANDER STUART
SUCCEEDED JAMES BETHUNE, OR BETON AS LORD ABBOT OF DUNFERMLINE.—Towards
the end of this year, King James IV. prevailed on the Pope to confirm his
presentation of the offices of Archbishop of St. Andrews and Abbot of
Dunfermline on his natural son, Alexander Stuart, then a boy under 15
years of age! (Mercer’s Hist. Dunf. p. 58; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. pp.
194, 240.) This is another instance of the Royal interference in the
affairs of Dunfermline Abbey, &c—a boy under 15 the Abbot! He was the
32nd Abbot of Dunfermline.
1511.—THE ABBOT OF
DUNFERMLINE elected Lord Chancellor and the Pope’s Legate.—Through the
supreme influence of his father, King James IV., Alexander, his natural
son, the Abbot of Dunfermline, &c., is make Lord Chancellor of Scotland
and the Pope’s Legate a latere (i.e., at his side). This Abbot, Legate,
&c., was then only about 16 years old!
1512.—MARGARET, QUEEN OF
SCOTLAND, IN DUNFERMLINE.—Margaret, Queen of Scotland, consort of James
IV., appears to have been residing in Dunfermline Palace early in May this
year. Leslie in his History of Scotland (published in 1830, p. 32),
notifies that “this yeir, in the beginning of May, the Quene tuik voyage
furth of Dumfermling to St. Duthois in Ross, and in all her Journey wes
honourablie intertenit, and come to Edinburgh agane abaout the x day of
July.” Margaret was daughter of Henry VII. of England. (“St. Duthois’s
Shrine in Ross-shire.”)
REGARDING A CARRUCATA OF
LAND IN COLDINGHAM .—Alexander, Archbishop of St. Andrews, Commendator of
Dunfermline, Superior Prior of the Priory of Coldingham, &c., confirms to
Christian Lumsden, daughter of John Lumsden, in Coldingham, the spouse of
Alexander Ellem, “three parts of one carrucate of land near the village
and territory of Coldingham, within the vice comitatus of Berwick, called
the ‘bichil,’ which said John resigned; Reddendo, 2 shillings,” &c.; dated
Dunfermline, 10th August, 1512. (Print. Regist. Dunf. No. 508, p. 279.)
1512.—ALEXANDER STUART,
ABBOT OF DUNFERMLINE, SLAIN.—Alexander Stuart, the youthful Abbot of
Dunfermline, accompanied his father, King James IV. to Flodden, and was,
along with his ill-fated father and the flower of the Scottish army, slain
on Flodden Field, on 9th September, 1513, being then in the 21st year of
his age. (Mercer’s Hist. Dunf. p. 59; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 195.)
The great Erasmus was this Abbot’s tutor, from whom he had a noble
character. (Crawford’s Offices of State, pp. 59, 60; Keith’s Scottish
Bishops, pp. 33, 34.) His skeleton was found in 1820, near the High Altar
site of St. Andrews Cathedral. The skull had a deep sword-cut wound,
penetrating through the thickness of the bone. (Newspapers of 1820.)
1514.—THE PEST, OR
PLAGUE, rages in Dunfermline.—This plague was general throughout Scotland,
for which vide Hist. of Scot.
1515.—JAMES HEPBURNE,
ABBOT OF DUNFERMLINE.—It would appear that the Abbey had no Abbot for
nearly two years (from 1513 to 1515). In 1515, James Hepburne, the third
son of Adam, Lord Hailes, and brother of Patrick, first Earl of Bothwell,
was elected Abbot of Dunfermline. (Crawford’s Offices of State, p. 369.)
Andrew Forman disputed the election of this Abbot.
THE POSTULATE OF
DUNFERMLINE.—In the year 1515, the Postulate of Dunfermline (a legal
functionary) attended the Council at Edinburgh, on 15th May, and was
witness to the declaration of the Council, to an application of the French
Ambassador on the part of Francis I., for being at peace with England.
(Maitland’s Hist. Scot. vol. ii. p. 762.)
THE ABBOT KELSO and
Others Imprisoned in Dunfermline.—In the month of August, 1515, the Abbot
of Kelso, and several of the friends of Lord Home, were imprisoned in
Dunfermline by the Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland. (Morton’s Annals,
p. 96.)
1516.—JAMES HEPBURNE,
elected Abbot of Dunfermline by the Convent, resigned his office of Abbot
this year, having come to an understanding with Andrew Forman. (Chal.
Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p.197, &c.) He died in 1525, and was interred at
Elgin.
1517.—ANDREW FORMAN,
elected Abbot of Dunfermline early in the year 1517. (Chalmers’s Hist.
Dunf. vol. i. pp. 195, 296; vol. ii. pp. 220, 221.) He was the 34th Abbot
of Dunfermline.
INCH GARVIE.—Inch Garvie,
on the Firth of Forth, became a State Prison this year. Secretary Panter
was imprisoned in “the fort on the ile, because he did not please the
rulers of the day.” (Histories of Scot.)
1519.—JOHN FERGUSONE was
Provost of Dunfermline in 1519. Bailies of Dunfermline this year:
Alexander Henderson and William Moubray. (Burgh Record.)
1520.—CRAIGLUSCAR HOUSE
BUILT.—The stone which was on the front wall of this mansion-house is
still to be seen, built into the lower part of a wall there. It is a
triangular stone. “Near the top is the date 1520; below it there is a
shield, on the dexter side of which is a St. Andrew’s cross, and on the
sinister side a cheveron, enclosing a crescent, with two crescent above.
There are on each side, parallel to each other, the capital letters G.D.
and M.B.” It is not known with certainty to whom these initial letters
refer. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p. 399.)
1522.—ANDREW FORMAN,
Abbot of Dunfermline, died, and was interred at Dunfermline. (Keith’s
Scot. Bishops, pp. 35, 146; Morton’s Annals, pp. 298, 299; Pitscottie’s
Hist. Scot. p. 254.) This abbot was a great man. In 1498 he was the
Pope’s pronotary, and afterwards his legate a latere. He was Prior of the
Isle of May; was bishop of Moray in 1501; and held at the same time the
Priories of Coldingham and Pittenween, and was Commendator of Dryburgh in
1512. Through the favour of Louis of Louis XII. He was made Archbishop of
Bourges, in France, in 1513; Archbishop of St. Andrews in 1514. When the
Duke of Albany came back from France, and assumed the regency in 1516,
Forman resigned into his hands, as the law of Scotland required, all the
benefices which he had hitherto held only by the Pope’s nomination, and
was reappointed only to the See of St. Andrews and the Abbey of
Dunfermline. Forman is the reputed author of “Contra Lutherum,” of “De
Stoica Philosophia,” and of “Collectanea Decretalium.” (Morton’s Annals,
pp. 288, 289; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. pp. 195, 196, 197.)
The following short
account of a banquet given by Forman to the Pope and his cardinals while
in Rome is from Pitscottie’s (Lindsay’s Chron. Scot. p. 254:--“Then the
Bishop Forman made a banquet to the Pope and all his cardinals, in one of
the Pope’s own palaces; and when they were all set, according to their
custom, that he who aught the house for the time should say the grace, he
was not a good scholar, nor had good Latin, but began rudely in the
Scottish fashion, saying, Benedicite, believing that they should have said
Dominus. But they answered Deus, in the Italian fashion, which put the
bishop past his intendiment, that he wist not well how to proceed forward,
but happened out in good Scots, in this manner, saying (which they
understood not), To the devil I give you all, false cardinals, in nominee
Patris, Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen. The all the bishop’s men leugh;
and the Bishop shewed that he was not a good clerk, and that his cardinals
had put him by his text and intendiment. Therefore he gave them all to
the devil in good Scots, whereat the Pope himself leugh very earnestly.”
JAMES BETON, Re-elected
Abbot of Dunfermline.—James Beton, who had been Abbot of Dunfermline from
1504 till 1510, was again elected Abbot, which office he held until his
death in 1539. (Keith’s Scottish Bishops, pp. 35, 36, &c.) While holding
the office of Abbot of Dunfermline he was also Archbishop of St. Andrews,
&c. (See date 1504.)
THE LANDS OF
ORROCK-SELLYBALBE, &C.—“James, Commendator of Dunfermline, &c., and
Chancellor of the Kingdom, granted to Marjorie Orrok, daughter of
Alexander Orrok of Sellybalbe, the third part of the lands of Orrok,
Sellybalbe, and Dunearn adjacent, in the regality of Dunfermline and
vicecomitatus of Fife, quam dictus Alexander resignaverat Reddendo 2 merks
six shillings and eightpence, &c. Dated Dunfermline, xx January, 1523.”
1524.—THE LANDS OF CLUNYS
AND THE CAPTAIN OF EDINBURGH CASTLE.—“James, Archbishop of St. Andrews,
regni Primas Apostolicæ sedis legatus, and Commendator of Aberborthok and
Dunfermline, confirms to James Crechton of Cranstoneriddale, Captain of
the Castle of Edinburgh, and to Margarite Hume, his spouse, our landis of
Clunys adjacent to and within the vicecomitatus of Fife, in Gaitmylk
schire, which the same James Crechtoun resignaverat. Dated Dunfermline,
vi. Jan. 1524.” (Print. Regist. Dunf. No. 512, pp. 380, 381.)
THE ABBOT OF
DUNFERMLINE’S HOUSE IN EDINBURGH.—As early as this period, that house at
the junction of High Street with Canongate (north side), in after times
known as John Knox’s House, belonged to the Abbots of Dunfermline, and
here they resided during the meetings of “The Estates,” &c., and when on
official duties.
1526.—The following is a
free translation of an interesting Charter in the Printed Register of
Dunfermline, and is here given because it is one of the few Charters in
the Register which has the names of many places now obsolete, but
nevertheless interesting to the local antiquary:--
“James, Archbishop
Primate of the Realm, has granted to James Murray the lands of Pardew,
otherwise Broomhill, along with certain acres, viz., the Stane acre, Short
acre, and the Boot acre, as pertinents of this same land of Pardew, lying
within the Regality of Dunfermline, on the south part of the lower town
(Nether-town) on either side of the rivulet commonly called the Lyne,
bounded as follows:--Beginning at the Gardens of St. Cuthber, descending
by certain stones fixed for boundary stones, and proceeding by the land of
David Bothwell, named the Haugh, to the south, even to the goodly lands
belonging to the altar of the blessed Mary, within the Parish Church of
Dunfermline, even as far as the water and the King’s high way, which leads
to the Grange of Dunfermline, and thence proceeding by the said way
towards the north as far as the water of Lyne, and descending by the
rivulet or burn as far as the Boot acre, lying on the western part of the
meadow lands, and then proceeding by the marsh of said meadow as far as
the lands of the laird of Pittencrieff, called in like manner the Boot (buyt),
and ascending to the said stream called the Lyne as far as the Short acre,
on the northern part of the said water, which acre has the King’s high way
on the west, and is almost inclosed on the other sides by the said water.
Reddendo 8 shillings yearly in name of annual rent. Given at Dunfermline
28th June, 1526.” (Print. Regist. Dunf. No. 514, p. 381.)
The acre here called the
Buyt aiker may perhaps mean Butt acre, the acre for the practice of
archery in the olden time; Stone acre may be so called from some now
obliterated stone quarry; and Short acre from its small dimensions.
Whirlbut, or Whirlbutt, is in the immediate vicinity on the south side of
the Lyne burn, probably also connected with “the art of archery.” “Buyt
aiker” has hitherto been translated Boot acre; and the writer has followed
his predecessors, although he strongly suspects that But or Butt acre is
the proper rendering.
THE ABBOT OF DUNFERMLINE
A FUGITIVE.—On September 4th, 1526, “the feud battle of Avonbridge, near
Linlithgow, was fought between the Earls of Arran and Lennox.” When the
Abbot of Dunfermline, “being on the losing side, had with others to fly
from the field, and took refuge among the mountains, lurking about in the
disguise of a shepherd.” (Lindsay’s Hist. Scot. vol. ii. pp. 280, 281;
Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. ii. p.222, &c.)
DUNFERMLINE ABBEY “SPOILZED.”—Shortly
after “the affair at Avonbrige,” Angus, advancing to Fife, entered
Dunfermline with his soldiers, and spoilzit (pillaged) the Abbey.
(Mercer’s Hist. Dunf. p. 59; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. 2. p. 222; and
Histories of Scotland.)
1527.—MARTYRDOM OF
PATRICK HAMILTON, 1st March, w527.—This is a black letter day in the
history of Dunfermline, for “the Abbot of Dunfermline (Archbishop of St.
Andrews, &c.) superintended the martyrdom of Patrick Hamilton”—a pious
young man, only 23 years of age—almost at the door of his castle at St.
Andrew.” (Histories of Scotland; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 194;
Grierson’s Hist. St. Andr. P. 23, &c.)
1529.—“THE PEST AND ‘HET
SICKNESS’ prevails generally, and particularly in the towns on the north
side of the Forth. Dunfermline and vicinity suffered much in July,
August, and Septr.” (Histories of Scotland.)
1530.—WALTER RYNGANE AND
WILLIAM DURYE were the Abbey Janitors at this period. (Print. Regist.
Dunf. No. 515, p. 381.)
1531.—USUFRUCTUARIUS OF
DUNFERMLINE ABBEY, &C.—In the Register of Dunfermline, of date, February
1531, there is a Charter granted to the Lord of Belwerye, by the
Archbishop of St. Andrews and the Abbot of Dunfermline, regarding certain
lands, &c., which has the singular introduction of –“James, Archbishop of
St. Andrews, Vsufructuarius of the Monastery of Dunfermline, and George
Dury, Abbot of the Convent of the same place; James, Earl of Morton and
Dalkeith and Baron of Aberdour; George de Dundas, knight and templar in
the preceptory of St. John of Jerusalem at Torphichen, &c.” (Print.
Regist. Dunf. No. 516, p. 382.)
1532.—PRESENTATION OF THE
ALTAR OF THE HOLY CROSS, KIRKCALDY.—“George, Abbot of Dunfermline,
presented to Lord William, Chaplain of James, Archbishop of St. Andrews,
to the altarages of our altar of the Holy Cross, within the burgh of
Kirkcaldy, and in the Parish Church of the same place. Dated at
Dunfermline 18th April, 1532. Witnesses, Walter Ryngane, David Duncan,
and Walter Shorthouse.” (Print. Regist.of Dunf. No. 517, p. 383.)
1533.—THE VICARAGE OF THE
CHURCH OF CLEISCHE.—“George, Abbot of Dunfermline, and James, Archbishop
of St. Andrews, presented Maister David Young, Presbiter, to the perpetual
Vicarage of the Parish Church of Cleish. Dated March, 1533. (Print.
Regist. Dunf. No. 518, p. 383.) Cleish is about 8 miles north of
Dunfermline.
1534.—THE MILLS AND LANDS
OF EASTER HAILES.—“James, Archbishop of St. Andrews, and George, Abbot of
Dunfermline, granted a Charter, conferring to certain parties named, part
of the lands and the mills of Easter Hailes, near Edinburgh. Dated at
Dunfermline, vi. Nov. 1534.” (Print. Regist. Dunf. No. 522, p. 384.)
1535.—THE PRIORY OF
PLUSARDINE AND DUNFERMLINE.—“The Priory of Pluscardine, in Moray, which
had been subject to Dunfermline for a long period previous to this date,
was this year (1535) erected into a Regality by James, Archbishop of St.
Andrews and George, Abbot of Dunfermline, who appointed four persons (who
are named) to hold Justiciary Courts of the Regality in Dunfermline and
administer justice.” Dated “Dunfermline. . . . die . . . 1535.” (Print.
Regist. Dunf. No. 526, p. 385.)
1536.—THE CHURCH OF
MELVILLE presented to Lord Archibald Hay, Clericum Parisiss, studentem,
James, Archbishop of St. Andrews, and George, Abbot of Dunfermline. Nov.
7th, 1536. (Print. Regist. Dufn. No. 527, p. 586.) Probably Hay studied
at Paris.
THE CHURCH OF MOULEN.—James,
Archbishop of St. Andrews, and George, Abbot of Dunfermline, presented to
Lord David Hervey, Presbyter, the Vicarage of the Parish Church of Moulen.
(Print. Regist. Dunf.No. 528, p. 586.) These two churches were for many
centuries subject to Dunfermline.
DUNFERMLINE GUILD
COURT.—In a minute of a Guild Court held this year, the selling of hides
and skins, &c., is noticed. (Burgh Records.)
1537.—THE LANDS OF CLUNYS,
&C.—James, Archbishop of St. Andrews, “vsufructuarius and administrator-generalis
fructuum” of the Monaster, and George, Abbot of Dunfermline, granted a
writ in favour of Jacobus Creichtoun, heres patris, Jacobi Creichtoun, in
dictis terries. 8th May, 1537. (Print, Regist. Dunf. No. 529, p. 386.)
1539.—JAMES BEATON, Abbot
of Dunfermline, died this year. He was also Archbishop of St. Andrews.
Since his re-election in 1522 he had held the abbacy for seventeen years;
but, “from about the year 1535 he appears to have committed the duties of
Abbot to George Dury.” Lesley, in his History of Scotland, says that
“James Beatoun, before he died, had providit successouris to all his
benifices, quilkis were Mr. David Betoun, then being Cardinal, to the
Archbishopric of St. Andrews and to the Abbey of Arbroath, and Mr. George
Durie, quha was Archdene of St. Androis, to the Abbacye of Dumferling, wha
enterit with the Kingis benevolens, and without any stoppe to thair
benefices efter his deceis.” (Lesley’s Hist. Scot. Ban. Club, edit. 1830,
p. 158.)
GEORGE DURIE, Archdean of
St. Andrews, made Abbot of Dunfermline, not by “divine permission” or
“God-tholing,” but by permission and the “tholing” of James Beaton, his
predecessor. The moral degeneracy of the age “was now hastening on
affairs, making them ripe for the close-at-hand reformation.
THE ABBEY SEAL.—It would
appear, from wax impressions still attached to Monastic Charters and
Deeds, of dates between 1539-1560, that George Dury, the new Abbot and
Commendator of Dunfermline Abbey, had a Seal-stamp engraven during the
first year of
his office (1539). The
above is taken from the engraving in Fermie’s History of Dunfermline, p.
76. Of this Seal Mr. Henry Laing, at page 181 of his excellent work on
Ancient Scottish Seals, says—“It is a fine round Seal, of a rich design,
consisting of three Gothic niches; in the centre of one is a figure of the
Virgin and infant Jesus; in the dexter, a figure of St. Andrew, holding
his cross before him; and, in the sinister, a figure of St. Margaret,
holding in her left hand a scepter. In the lower part of the Seal is a
shield, bearing a chevron between three crescents, the armorial bearings
of Durie; behind the shield, a crozier; and, around the circumference, in
old letters, the legend, viz.:--
“’S GEORGII ABBATIS DE
DVMFERLING ARCH S ANDR’”
that is—“Seal of George,
Abbot of Dunfermline, and Archdean of St. Andrews.”
ADAM BLACKWOOD.—Born in
Dunfermline in 1539. In after life he held a Professorship in the College
Poitiers, in France, and was the author of several learned works. (See
Annals Dunf. date 1623.)
A CHARTER OF THE ABBOT OF
DUNFERMLINE relating to Lands in and near Dunfermline.—“George, Archdean
of St. Andrews, and Commendator of Dunfermline, concedes to Helena
Stewart, daughter and apparent heiress of Adam Stewart, of Brerhill, and
David Lundy, sponso dictæ Helenæ, the lands of Breryhill, adjacent to the
burgh of Dunfermline on the east part, and the land of Mylhillis, on the
east part of the ‘Newrow’ croft, commonly called the ‘Newraw-crofts’; the
lands of Penelandes, near the lands of Breryhill, on the north part; and
the lands of Mylhillis on the east part; the lands of the Spittel on the
south part; and those of Elliotshill on the west part. Also a small
parcel of land, commonly called the ‘Cluttis’ croft, adjacent, within the
regality of Dunfermline; and the narrow crofts in the burgh of Dumfermline,
on the west part of the lands of Halbank; and the north part of the lands
of Brerehill, on the east and south parts; and the lands of Halbank
adjacent, in the regality of Dunfermline.”
1540.—ROYAL PALACE,
DUNFERMLINE, Enlarging, Altering, and Repairing.—The Royal Palace of
Dunfermline appears to have been much enlarged and thoroughly repaired
about this period. “Large mullioned windows were introduced into the
original architecture,” and in the present upper storey, then added to the
building, besides having mullioned windows, had also bay, or projecting
windows in west wall fronting the glen, as shown in ruin still standing.
The accompanying plate is a north-west view of the Palace, when thus
completed, taken partly from Sleizar’s view, of date, circa 1690, and a
more correct print published about the middle of last century.
The following are the
measurements of the Royal Palace Kitchen and Cellar, taken by the writer
in 1825:--The west wall overlooking the glen is 205 feet in length
(including the cellar and kitchen walls), the height, 59 feet, and breadth
28 ½ feet. The west side of the wall is supported by eight buttresses.
(For notices of the “Annunciation Stone,” see Annals of Dunf. dates 1812
and 1859.)
1541.—THE ABBOT OF
DUNFERMLINE, elected an Extraordinary Lord of the Articles,--George Dury,
Abbot and Commendator of Dunfermline, was “on July 2d, 1541, chosen an
Extraordinary Lord of the Articles,” as also often afterwards. (Acts of
Scot. Parl. ii. pp. 366, 443, 603; Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 198.)
1542.—THE ABBOT OF
DUNFERMLINE elected a Member of the Earl of Arran’s Council, which at the
meeting confirmed the Earl in his guardianship of the infant Queen Mary
during hr nonage. (Mait. Hist. Scot. vol. ii. p. 839.)
1543.—THE ABBOT OF
DUNFERMLINE, one of the Privy Council.—On 15th March, 1543, the Abbot of
Dunfermline was one of those appointed of Governor the Earl of Arran’s
“Secret Counsale,” and was one of the Secret Council frequently
afterwards. (Chal. Hist. Dunf. vil. i. p. 198; Acts of Scot. Parl. ii.
pp. 366, 443, 603.)
BURNTISLAND, or Wester
Kinghorn, from a very early period belonged to Dunfermline Abbey. It was
also known as Cunyngayrland. This year George Dury, Abbot of Dunfermline,
by Charter, conceded to Peter Dury, the Castle, &c., and certain lands
known as Grasslandes, and Cunyngayrlands, &c., vulgarly called Burntisland.
(Regist. Dunf. pp. 393, 399.)
1544.—MR. JOHN DAVIDSON,
an eminent divine, was born in the Parish of Dunfermline this year. At a
very early age he was sent to school in the Abbey, completing his
scholastic education there. He became a monk of the Order of
Benedictines. Afterwards he embraced the Protestant faith, and became
celebrated as a divine and a poet. (See dates 1573 and 1604.)
1549.—CONFIRMATION
CHARTER OF GEORGE DURY to the Burghesses, &c., of Dunfermline.—As this
Charter confirms the Charters of Abbot Robert (1322) and that of Abbot
John (1395), &c., a full and free translation of it is here given,
viz.:--“Charter of Confirmation, Innovation, and New Concession, made by
Lord George, the Commendator, and the Convent of the Monastery of
Dunfermlyn, concerning and regarding all and several the liberties,
concessions, donations, and privileges of the Community of their Burgh of
Dunfermlyn, made and granted by their predecessors on account of the age
of the Charters and letters previously executed and granted:--
“George Dury, Archdeacon
on St. Andrews, and perpetual Commendator of Dunfermline, on account of
the distinguished services of the present Provost, Bailies, Council,
Burgesses, and community of the Burgh of Dunfermline, for which they are
well known, like their progenitors and predecessors, has confirmed the
Charter which follows, viz.:--‘To all who shall see or hear this Charter,
Robert, by Divine permission, Abbot of the Monastery of Dunfermline, and
the humble Convent of the same place, eternal safety in the Lord, Know ye
that we,’ &c. Likewise the Charter in these words:--‘’To all who shall
hear or see this Charter, John, by the Grace of God, Abbot of Dunfermline
and the most humble Convent of the same, eternal safety in the Lord, know
ye that we, with the consent and assent of our Chapter, have given and
granted, and by this our present Charter, have confirmed for us and our
successors, to our burgesses of Dunfermlyn, those, viz., who are now Guild
brethren, and their heirs forever, and to others, our burgesses received,
or in future to be received, into the Guild by our burgesses and their
heirs, a Merchant Guild, with all the liberties, rights, conveniences,
easements pertaining, or that may by any right whatever pertain, to a free
Merchant Guild, along with the houses belonging of old to the said Guild
(reserving the right of any one), to be held and kept by our foresaid
burgesses and their heirs of us and our successors, in sales and
purchases, and all other grants as freely, quietly, fully, honorably,
well, and in peace, as any burgesses or our Lord the King, in any burghs
of our same Lord have, hold, and possess a Guild, reserving to ourselves
and our obedientiaries, and their servants, for the use of ourselves and
our obedientiaries for purchases and other ancient usages, according to
justice.’—In testimony whereof, to the present Charter has been attached
the common seal of our Chapter.—Witness: The Chapter; likewise the
indenture witnesses: Master Abraham Creichtoun, Provost of Dunglas and
Official of St. Andrews, within the Archdeanary of Laudonia; Rober Dury of
the ilk, principal baillie of the Regality of Dunfermline; Robert Steward,
junior, Lord of Rossyth; David Martyne, of Cardven; John Betoun, of
Capildray: Likewise, Messrs. (Landlords) William Murray, Treasurer of
Dunblane; John Lauder, Archdeacon of Tweeddale; Adam Kingorne, Vicar of
Lynton; and John Coupar and Thomas Malcolm, Chaplains and Notaries
Public.—2d August, 1549.” (Print. Regist. Dunf. No. 569, pp. 397, 398.
See also Confirmation Charter of James VI. 1588, which confirms this
Charter, and also the Charter of Abbots Robert and John, 1322, 1363, and
1395.)
1550.—CHARTER-KEEPER AND
NOTARY OF DUNFERMLINE ABBEY.—It would appear from various Charters of date
circa 1550, that John Henrisone was Keeper of the Abbey Charters and
Notary-Public, at least, as early as this period; also, vide Annals, date
1573, probably the same person.
THE LANDS OF FYNMONTH.—George,
Commendator of Dunfermline, conceded to James Kircaldy of Grande, the
King’s Treasurer, and Jonete Melville, his spouse, the lands of Fynmonth,
lying in the regality of Dunfermline, within the vice comitatus of Fyfe,
reddendo, 17lb. 8s. 8d.; dated at the Monastery of Dunfermline, 1550.
(Print. Regist. Dunf., No. 570, p. 398.)
1551.—KINROSS AND
ORWELL.—George, Commendator of Dunfermline, presented, by Writ, Sir John
Mowss, presbyter, to the Vicarage and pensions of the Churches of Kinross
and Orwell. (Regis. Dunf. No. 572, p. 398.)
1552.—WESTER KINGHORN.—George,
Abbot and Commendator of Dunfermline, by Charter, conceded to Peter Dury
and his heirs “our lands of Nethir Grange of Kyngorne, with the Castle,”
and Custodier of Cwnyngerlandis commonly called Burntisland, dated 22nd
October, 1552, and has the following names as witnesses appended to
it:--Robert Pitcairn; Alan Cowttis, Chamberlain of Dunfermline, &c. (Regist.
Dunf. No. 574, p. 399.)
1554.—KEEPER OF THE PRIVY
SEAL.—George Dury, Abbot of Dunfermline, was this year chosen Keeper of
the Privy Seal of Scotland. (Diurnal of Occur. Ban. Edit. P. 64; Acts of
Parliament, vol. ii. pp. 443, 603, &c.: Chal. Hist. Dunf. vol. i. p. 198.) |
