morayonly3.png "Arms of the Diocese of Moray")
The Prebends of the Cathedral of Moray
A prebend, in its usual sense, is a source of income used to support a canon within an ecclesiastical institution - a cathedral or a collegiate church - and the major officials of the cathedral Chapter were all canons. Exactly what it was that provided the source of income varied considerably. In some cases it was the rectorial tithes (parsonage) which accrued from a church (or a group of churches brought together to ensure that the income was sufficient); in other cases it comprised the income (rent) from a piece of land; sometimes it was rent from a building of some kind; and it was always possible that the prebend comprised a sometimes bewildering combination of all of these. But, in all cases, is was a matter of the greatest importance to have written evidence to detail the exact nature of the source of income and this was usually defined by the diocesan bishop by the issue of a foundation charter at the time of the prebend's creation. In the case of land this was quite often determined by the process of marching the bounds or perambulation by witnesses, each of whom might then be required to sign the foundation charter. In passing, it should also be noted here that a canon was seldom seen by the parishoners who ultimately provided his prebendal income. The cure of their souls was provided for by a vicar or chaplain who was employed by the holder of the prebend and this allowed the prebendary (usually a canon) to exercise his role within the cathedral free of parish concerns.
Although an Archdeacon of Moray is recorded as early as 1179 x 1188, it would appear that a Chapter was not 'properly' founded until the time of Bishop Brice (Bricius) de Douglas (1203-1222). But Bricius was the seventh bishop in the period following the Early Church and his predecessors had not been inactive, so it is possible that other prebends were created but they have simply not come down to us in the historical record.
These earlier bishops are said to have had no fixed location for their cathedra but to have used, as best suited them, one of the three churches of Birnie, Spynie and Kineddar - in effect a sede vagus. At some point in the development of the fledgling diocese the bishop would have required an assistant to help him to carry out his duties of oversight and administration across what is a considerable expanse of territory. Hence the appearance of an Archdeacon, Master Robert, in 1187.1 Interestingly, the Archdeacon is not the only episcopal assistant at that time since, in the same source, the bishop is seen to be accompanied also by three chaplains, three clerks and a deacon - the episcopal 'family' had already expanded.
First and foremost, the early bishops of Moray were 'men of the world'2 and they were soon to learn the ways of the English and European dioceses. Bishop Richard (1187-1203) is said to have borne/used the eponym de Lincoln which points to an association with that city and diocese. Before his election and consecration, he was a King's Clerk (clericus Regis) and, being a great favourite of K. William, he is reputed to have received many gifts from his monarch.
One interesting feature becomes immediately apparent when one studies the data in the following table - apart from Unthank, Kincardine, and the Archdeacon's early prebend of Fothervais, all of the prebends of Moray were created within a tight time-frame of only some thirty to forty years, during which there were only three bishops - Richard of Lincoln (1187-1203), Bricius de Douglas (1203-1222) and Andrew de Moravia (1222-1242). The development of the Chapter was very rapid and suggests that we see here the work of three exceptionally ambitious men. If we add to this the fact that this was also the time when an immense building project was carried out, which saw a new cathedral start to rise from the ground at Elgin, then we cannot fail to be impressed by the energy and determination of these three clerics. In particular, our admiration should be lavished upon Bishop Andrew who oversaw the achievement of Bishop Bricius' plan to move the cathedral from Spynie to Elgin and who drove the building programme onwards so that, by the time of his death, a significant and stunning building graced the banks of the River Lossie. It is believed that the two transepts both date from this era3 and they are still marvelous sights today. Of, course, Elgin was not alone, for at Dornoch a splendid new cathedral was also being built by the then bishop of Caithness, Gilbert de Moravia (1222-1245), whom certain scholars believe to have been a blood-relative of Bishop Andrew.4 Stone masons and other master tradesmen would have been in great demand in the north and the various quarries must have been hard pressed to cut, dress, and transport sufficient quantities of stone to the numerous building sites.
| Name | Founded | Prebendary | Prebend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forres & Edinkillie | 1189x98 | ARCHDEACON | Church of Forres; church and lands of Logy Fythenach (Edinkillie). |
| Auldearn | 1207x08 | DEAN | Church of Eryn (Auldearn) with its chapel of Invernairn (Nairn). The Altarage revenues of Auldearn were transferred to the Sub-Dean in 1226. |
| Lhanbryde, Alves, (Rafford) | 1207x08 | PRECENTOR | Church of Lhanbryde plus one dabhach of land there; the churches of Alves and Rafford. The church of Rafford was transferred to the Succentor in 1226. |
| Kinneddar & Essil | 1207x08 | TREASURER | The whole revenues of the parish churches of Essil and Kinneddar. |
| Fothervais | 1207x08 | CHANCELLOR up to 1226, then the BISHOP | Lands in Fothervais (Ardclach), Lethen, Moy, Daldauy (Dunlichty) and "Logyn juxta Duffus". |
| Stratha'an & Glenurquhart | 1207x08 | Simple Canonry then CHANCELLOR after 1226 | This prebend was permanently confirmed to the Chancellor in 1242. |
| Spynie (& Kintrae) | 1189x98 | Simple Canonry | Kintrae was added to Spynie possibly in 1224-6. |
| Dipple & Ruthven | by 1206 | Simple Canonry | |
| The above represents the original foundation of Bishop Bricius comprising 8 prebends. | |||
| Dallas | 1226 | SUB-DEAN | Parsonage revenues of the church of Dallas; the altarage revenues of the church of Auldearn (taken from the Dean); the chapel of Invernairn (Nairn). |
| Ardclach & Rafford | 1226 | SUCCENTOR | Revenues of the churches of Rafford and Ardclach, reserving 4 marks p.a. from Rafford to the Precentor; toft & croft assigned by Bishop Andrew; the tithes known as predialium de Burgyn from the monks of Kinloss Abbey. |
| The two prebends indicated above were added at the Synod of St Giles in 1226, | |||
| Moy | 1223x24 | Simple canonry | Garbal teinds of Moy. |
| Kinnoir & Dumbannan | 1223x24 | SACRISTAN | The Churches of Kinnoir and Dumbannan each with a half dabhach of land. |
| Rhynie | by 1222 | Simple Canonry | The Church of Rhynie with a half dabhach of land. |
| Inverkeithny | c.1222 | Simple Canonry | Church of Inverkeithny and all its legal possessions. |
| Botarie & Elchies | 1226 | Simple Canonry | Parsonage revenues of both parish churches. |
| Advie & Cromdale | c.1222 | Simple Canonry | |
| Kingussie & Insh | 1226x27 | Simple Canonry | Garbal teinds of both parishes including the chapel in the Glen of Banchory. |
| Croy & Lunyn | 1226x27 | BISHOP'S VICAR | Church of Croy plus the garbal teinds of the church of Lunyn. |
| Petty & Brachelie | 1238x39 | Simple Canonry | Garbal teinds of both parishes. |
| Aberlour & Botriphne | 1238x39 | Simple Canonry | Garbal teinds of both churches. |
| Duffus | 1238x39 | Simple Canonry | Church of Duffus and all its legal possessions, excepting the episcopalibus. |
| Centum Solidorum | 1226 | VICAR OF ELGIN | At first, 100s. from the altarage revenues of the parish church of Elgin. The whole of the vicarage revenues were added later with certain exceptions. |
| Duthil | c.1224 | Simple Canonry | |
| Kincardine in Strathspey | c.1328 | Simple Canonry | Used on occasion to support a personal canonry, e.g. in 1328. A simple canonry from before 1537. |
| Unthank | 1542 | Simple Canonry | The chaplainry of the B.V.M. in the Castle of Duffus, including certain lands at Aldtoun. |
| Lifetime or Personal Prebends | (various) | Simple Canonry | Often funded by the bishop from his mensal properties. |
| Table 1: A Definitive List of the Prebends of Moray. | |||
Prebends Created in the First Period - the Cathedral being peripatetic.
Archdeacon - Forres. As has been noted already, the early bishops were assisted by an Archdeacon and a number of lesser clerics. In a charter of King William I, dated 1189x1199, we find that he gifted the churches of Forres and Dyke to Bishop Richard of Lincoln.5 It is possible that one or two other prebends were created in Bishop Richard's episcopate, but conclusive dating evidence is lacking. By the time of Bishop Bricius, the Archdeacon possessed Forres as his prebend6 and it seems reasonable to assume that this prebend was, therefore, established by Bishop Richard at some date between 1189 and 1203.7
(Logy Fythenach added) Some scholars relate that Logy Fythenach (Edinkille) was joined to this prebend only from 1236x1237. Certainly, in the wording of a gift by King Alexander II to Andrew de Moravia, bishop of Moray, dated 11 September 1236, we see that the King exchanges with the bishop the lands of Finlarg on Speyside for the lands of 'Cawood' and Logie. The King then directs that the bishop "will make on the king's behalf a full grant to William, archdeacon of Moray" in respect of the lands of Logie,which the king now possesses as a result of the exchange with the bishop.8 There is supporting evidence for this arrangement from the time of Archibald, bishop of Moray, who, on Tuesday 25 February 1285, gives to John, archdeacon of Moray, "the whole land of the church of Logynfythenach, which King Alexander had given to Andrew, bishop of Moray."9 However, in Bishop Bricius' Magna Carta he clearly stated that the sixth canonry of his newly constituted cathedral comprised "Forres and the church of Logyn Fythenach". This clearly demonstrates that by 1207x1208 this prebend, which we know was allocated to the Archdeacon, already had the church of Logy Fythenach (Edinkillie) attached to it along with that of Forres.10 We can only conclude that, for some unknown reason, the Archdeacon, although in possession de jure of Logy Fythenach was not in possession de facto. It is possible that, at first, the archdeacon only had title to the church, whilst the bishop, until the exchange with the king, retained possession of the lands of Logy Fythenach, which, in those times, was a substantial hunting forest.
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Prebends Created in Bishop Bricius' Cathedral at Spynie (1207x1208).11
Dean - Eryn with Invernairn. The original prebend of the Dean comprised the whole revenues of the parish church of Eryn (Auldearn) along with its dependent chapel of Invernairn (Nairn).
In 1226 the alterage revenues of Auldearn were removed from the Dean's prebend and added to that of the newly created position of Sub-Dean (vide infra.).
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Precentor - Lamnabride, Aluays and Rothesd. The Precentor's prebend consisted of the whole of the church of Lhanbryde along with one dabhach of land there, and the whole of the church of Alves. In addition, he had the church of Rothesd which Fawcett & Oram consider to be Rothes,12 but which Ross thinks is Rafford13. It would seem that Ross is correct since, in 1226, we find that at the Diocesan Synod of St Giles, Rafford (called Rathed) is removed from the Precentor's prebend and added to that of the newly created Succentor (vide infra).14 The identification of this church as Rafford is further evidenced in the details of a dispute between the then Precentor (Roger de Inverness) and Succentor (Martin) in 1328.15 The dispute was over the boundaries between their two properties - Alves, belonging to the Precentor and Rafford, belonging to the Succentor. In the written record Rathed and Rafford are used interchangeably.
Chancellor - Fothervais (to 1226); Stratha'an & Glenurquhart (after 1226). The Chancellor is first found in possession of a prebend known as Fothervais, but the date when this prebend was first allocated to a chancellor is not known. The prebend comprised lands rather than income derived from a church. The lands in question were in, Fothervais (Ardclach)
It is of interest to note that in the 1170s the then bishop of Moray, Simon de Tosny (1171-1184), made a grant for life of certain lands in Lunan and Culdoich to "John the Hermit."19 This demonstrates that, from a very early date in the life of the young diocese, these lands were episcopal lands. Bain (1893, 118) puts the Hermit's Croft on an island in the loch called Loch a'Chlachain
Later, in 1226, when bishop Andrew de Moravia re-modelled the cathedral Chapter in Elgin, he took back these lands whilst retaining the notion of a "Prebend of Fothervais" which he himself occupied. Thus, he could sit in Chapter as a simple canon - a right which had been denied to bishops of Moray up to that time. There are examples of charters bearing the bishop's signature as "Andreas epis. et canonicus de Fotherueys".21 The Chancellor's prebend was now that of Inveravon & Urquhart.
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Treasurer - Kineddar & Essil. The Treasurer's prebend consisted of the whole revenues of these two parish churches.
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Simple Canonry then Chancellor - Stratha'an & Glenurquhart. Originally, this was a simple canonry which can be identified as part of the Chapter of Moray at least as early as when the Cathedral was at Spynie. In the re-arrangement and enlargement of the Chapter by Bishop Andrew de Moravia, in 1226, the Chancellor was given this prebend (at first, temporarily) in place of that of Fothervais.22
The prebend was composed of the teinds of the church of St Peter at Inveravon with its chapels, plus a dabhach of land beside the church; and the revenues of the church of Urquhart beside Loch Ness.
1204-08 Malcolm, earl of Fife, gives the church of Inverhouen to the Cathedral along with one dabhach of land, and all the oblations and tithes of the parish.23
1233 (11 March), an agreement (compositio) is reached between Alano Hostiario (Durward) and Bishop Andrew de Moravia, regarding the half dabhach of land of the church of Urquhart which, according to the Chapter, forms part of the prebend of the Chancellor. The Chapter and William (who was Chancellor of Moray at that time), then quitclaimed all their rights to Alan. In return, Alan gave back 'the middle ground', namely a half of the half dabhach, along with 10 marks per annum to the church of Urquhart, half to be paid at Pentecost and half at Martinmas. Alan also gave a full toft and croft of 4 acres at the site of the church of Urquhart in free pure and perpetual arms.24
1242 (July), the Chapter, gathered in the Chapter House of the Cathedral, agree amongst other things that the Chancellor, and all his successors, should have the prebend of Inuerouen in perpetuity.
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Simple Canonry (1) - Spynie & Kintrae (after 1224-26). This is one of the simple canonries first identified in the Chapter of Moray when the Cathedral was at Spynie. Some believe that it was first created by Bishop Bricius but it is possible that it pre-dates his episcopate. Bishop Andrew de Moravia added the church of Kintrae to augment this prebend, possibly in 1224-26.
Simple Canonry (2) - Dipple & Ruthven. This was the second of the simple canonries first identified in the Cathedral when it was at Spynie. As with the other similar canonry (Spynie), although this prebend is considered to have been established by Bishop Bricius, it is possible that it existed before his episcopate.
Additional Prebends confirmed at the Synod of St Giles.
Sub-Dean - Dallas. When the post of Sub-Dean was confirmed at the Diocesan Synod of St Giles held on 5 May 1226, a prebend was also established. To it was assigned the parsonage revenues of Dallas along with the altarage revenues of Auldearn (this latter was taken from the Dean's prebend - a logical move since the Sub-Dean was to act as the Dean's assistant). Also included was the chapel of Invernairn (Nairn) which, at that time, lay within the parish of Auldearn. The first Sub-Dean on record is Ada(m) who is found in 1225.25
More precisely the prebend was confirmed as comprising:26
1. the church of Dolays Mychel saving the bishop's half dabhach (part of his mensa) and the episcopalibus.
2. the altarage of the church of Eryn (Auldearn), with the toft and croft there, saving the perpetual deaconry. {This suggests that the perpetual 'vicar' serving Auldearn was only in 'deacon's orders'.
3. all the corn teinds of the parish of Dallas and the chapel of Invernairn.
In another charter it is recorded that, in detailing Dolays Mychel, the Bishop retained to himself the land there called the Esse of Dallas.27
According to a charter of 1242 it was stipulated that the Dean was to have no other vicar but the Sub-dean.28 This charter also states that the bishop had reserved the half dabhach at Rath (Rait), "which is of the bishop's mensa."
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Succentor - Rafford & Ardclach. The first recorded Succentor was a priest called Lambert in 1225.25 At the Diocesan Synod of St Giles, held on 5 May 1226, the post of Succentor (Sub-chanter) was confirmed in the cathedral's establishment by Bishop Andrew de Moravia. The prebend created to support this position comprised the churches of Rafford (taken from the Precentor's prebend) and Ardclach (which may have come from the Bishop).29 The precentor was still to have four marks each year from the revenues of the church of Rathed' (Rafford).30
1242 (July). The details of this prebend are included in the famous charter of July 1242 which established the statutes of the Cathedral of Moray to be in keeping with those of Lincoln Cathedral. Firstly, the Succentor was required to be always resident in the Cathedral Chanonry. He has as his prebend the church of Fotheruays (Fothervais) and the church of Ratheuede (Rafford); saving 4 marks for the Precentor, half at the Purification of the BVM and half at the feast of St Peter; the croft and toft assigned by Bishop Andrew; and the tithes called 'predialium de Burgyn' from the monks of Kinloss Abbey. Also, he is to be the 'superior' of those vicars in the cathedral who are in sub-deacon's orders'.31
1328. In this year a serious dispute arose between the Precentor (Roger de Inverness) and the Succentor (Martin) regarding the boundaries between the parishes of Rafford and Alves. This had been a protracted litigation and had even incurred the great expense of referring the matter to the Pope. The resulting agreement is recorded and it includes a detailed statement of the boundary as finally agreed. It was also noted that 4 marks was still reserved from the fruits of Rafford for the Precentor.32
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Prebend of Moy.33 Bishop Bricius (d.1222) intended to create this prebend but the plan was not carried out until after Bishop Andrew de Moravia was consecrated (c.1223). It would seem that Bricius had requested permission from the Pope to create two new canonries, with associated prebends, and Honorius III granted this permission in a bull signed at the Lateran on 12 Kalendas Maii (20 April) 1222.34
A charter of Bishop Andrew, which must necessarily be dated to after his consecration, records an agreement (concessio) reached between himself and Walter de Moravia regarding the latter's gift to the church of this prebend (Moy), as well as three others (Kinnoir & Dumbannan, Petty & Brachelie, and Aberlour & Botriphnie).35 The prebend of Moy comprised the decimas bladi parochie de Moy (garbal teinds of the parish of Moy).36
Fawcett & Oram consider that this prebend was actually created at the Synod of St Giles, 5 May 1226, and they may be correct in this.37 However, two of the witnesses subscribing to this charter of agreement are Ada(m) the Sub-Dean and Lambert the Succentor. We have seen above that these two were in post in 1225 and they may, indeed, have both been appointed as soon as Andrew de Moravia was consecrated bishop, i.e. 1223-24. Personally, I believe that both positions, and their prebends, were created very soon after the bishop was consecrated, some two to three years before the Synod of St Giles. This would, therefore, date this concessio with Walter de Moravia to 1223-25. Walter and his successors were to take a major part in any appointments to this prebend although the bishop was careful to underline his ultimate authority.
The parish of Moy was not united with that of Dyke until 1618.
Prebend of Kinnoir & Dumbannan As with the prebend of Moy {vide supra}, Bishop Bricius (d.1222) intended to create this prebend but the plan was not carried out until after Bishop Andrew de Moravia was consecrated (c.1223). Bricius had requested permission from the Pope to create two new canonries, with associated prebends, and Honorius III granted this permission in a bull signed at the Lateran on 12 Kalendas Maii (20 April) 1222.34
A charter of Bishop Andrew, which must necessarily be dated to after his consecration, records an agreement (concessio) reached between himself and Walter de Moravia regarding the latter's gift to the church of this prebend (Ardclach & Dumbannan), as well as three others (Moy, Petty & Brachelie, and Aberlour & Botriphnie).35 This prebend comprised the whole fruits of the parish except the 'bishop's share' which was reserved to the episcopal mensa,38 and the episcopalibus of both churches.
As with Moy, the creation of this prebend was made possible by the generosity of Walter de Moravia.
The combination of these two parishes was logical since they were the 'local' parish churches for the people of the area - Huntly at that time being but a hamlet (called Tirriesoul or Tilliesoul). It is thought probable that the two churches may have been served by a single vicar, assisted by other(s) in lesser orders.
It is suggested that the canon who held this prebend acted as the Major Sacristan of the cathedral. This is reasoned from - the fact that on two occasions his vicar is referred to as Sacrista de Kynnor;39 and, the office of Sacrist or Sacristan of a cathedral was an important position and it is likely that it was held by one of the canons.
Prebend of Rhynie
At the Synod of St Giles, held on 5 May 1226, it was confirmed that Rhynie was one of the prebends of the cathedral at Elgin that had been founded by Bishop Bricius. As a consequence, the prebendary of Rhynie was always given an additional degree of respect because of the antiquity of his prebend and, in charters listing the chapter of the cathedral, Rhynie was often listed first.
It comes as a surprise to many that Rhynie was a part of Moray Diocese and not Aberdeen, but this only highlights the very strange 'advances' of the boundaries of Moray into Banffshire. To a degree, this came about because of the secular divisions of the countryside. Rhynie was part of the lordship of Strathbogie, a very influential component of the power structures of the north and north-east of Scotland in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries.
Very soon after Andrew de Moravia was consecrated, there arose a significant dispute between him and David, lord of Strathbogie, son of Donnchad (Duncan II), earl of Fife.40 This dispute concerned Rhynie and certain other lands. Failing a resolution, the matter had been referred to the Pope (Honorius III), regardless of the massive expense such an action would incur, and he, in typical fashion, appointed Papal Judges-delegate41 to determine the matter.
On 18 March 1227, a formal agreement (compositio) was reached between the two parties. The bishop, with the consent of his chapter, quitclaimed in perpetuity to David the advowsons of the churches of Essie
At length, on 10 October 1232, we find an agreement between the bishop and David regarding the boundaries of the land and the church at Rhynie (as well as at Dunbennan, Drumdelgie, Ruthven and Botary). In addition, David quitclaims to the bishop in perpetuity the whole lands of Petynalurge (Pitnalurg), extending from the river called Helthach to the river called Aldnassauoch, over which land there had been a disagreement.44
Prebend of Inverkeithny
This prebend was, according to Bishop Andrew de Moravia, founded during the episcopate of Bishop Bricius (1203-1222).45
The prebend comprised the parish church of Inverkeithny and all of its just pertinents. In the cathedral it was required that the Canon of Inverkeithny's vicar should be a deacon,46 and he was paid 7 marks per annum.47
Prebend of Botarie & Elchies
The church of Botarie was in the lordship of Strathbogy but that of Elchies (sometimes known as Macallan) was not. Unfortunately, there is no record of exactly when the two were 'united' to create a sufficient prebend for one of the canons. However, it was confirmed by Bishop Andrew as having been one of those created in the time of Bishop Bricius.45 The income comprised the parsonage revenues of the two parish churches. They were each served by a vicar whilst the prebendary was also required to maintain a vicar in the cathedral who was to be in sub-deacon's orders.47
Prebend of Advie & Cromdale
There is a charter in the Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis given by Malcolm, earl of Fife, confirming his gift to the bishop and chapter of Moray of the patronage of the church of Cromdale, with its toft and croft. One of the witnesses is Thomas, prior of Urquhard (c.1226-1232).48 In the previous charter in the Registrum, the earl quitclaims to the Bishop of Moray the lands and church of Invera'an (Inveravon) and the patronage of the church of Advie. It is very likely that these two charters were issued on the same day.
This latter agreement, regarding the church of Advie and its properties, goes back even further in time since there is a 'compositio' (agreement) between Bishop Richard (de Lincoln) and Duncan, earl of Fife, regarding, amongst others, two dabhaichean of Invera'an. This must date to 1194-1200 since Arnaldo, abbot of Coupar Angus, was a signatory.49
The canon who held this prebend was required to provide a vicar, in sub-deacon's orders, for service in the cathedral. The two parish churches, it is assumed, were each served by vicar. A James Brown, vicar of Cromdale, is certainly present in the chapel of the episcopal palace of Spynie on 11 February 1501 when the bishop executes a Papal Bull appointing Dougal Rorieson as prior of Beauly.50
Prebend of Kingussie & Insh
The church of Kingussie, with its chapel of Banchory, was given by Bishop Bricius to Gilbert de Kathern. This gift was confirmed by King William on 25 August 1203x7 at Elgin.51 Kingussie must have been returned to the Bishop of Moray before 25 March 1226 since, on that date, Andrew Moravia constituted the prebend of Kingusy & Inche (as well as that of Croyn & Lunin)52. It is possible that Bishop Bricius' gift had been for the period of Gilbert's lifetime only so that when the earl died, in 1223, Kingussie reverted to the bishop. Certainly, in the original charter, no mention is made of Gilbert's family or any inheritance clause. The creation of this prebend was confirmed by Bishop Andrew on 9 July 1238 x 16 February 1239.53
On 22 November 1253, Bishop A(rchibald) ordains the continued payment of 20 marks per annum from the garbal teinds of Kingussie & Inche, to the Chapter, so that Matthew de Urbe (of Rome), 'scrptori domini Pape', should continue to receive 10 marks per annum during his lifetime, at Berwick. One mark is to be allowed also to the person carrying this sum to be paid at Berwick each year. This sum was to be paid by (William de Elgin), the prebendary of Kingussy, or his procurator.54
The prebendary of Kingussie was required to maintain a vicar in the cathedral who was to be in deacon's orders.47
(Fawcett & Oram fail to mention this prebend.55)
Prebend of Croy & Lunyn
The occupant of this canonry acted as the Bishop's Vicar within the cathedral56 and he was, as a consequence, regarded as the 'senior' canon. He was required to be permanently in residence in the cathedral.57 Consequently, unlike the other canons, the prebendary of Croy had no need of a vicar since he was always resident. He was also one of the ebdomadarii in the cathedral. As a 'hebdomadary' he was expected to play a senior role in the arrangements to be made for the services. On a rotational basis, and for a period of seven days, he was responsible, with the other hebdomadarii, for presiding at the daily mass held at the high altar.
The prebend comprised the parish church of Croy, with all its legal property, combined with the garbal teinds of Lunyn (Lunin) which was the ancient name for Moy(more).
In a charter in which Bishop Andrew devolves the task of assigning the various 'tofts and crofts' which the canons held outwith the Chanonry, the bishop adds, "'Th' autem de Croyn toftum cum una acra assignetur."58 This emphasises the Canon of Croy's seniority amongst his bretheren in that he is assigned an additional one acre of land.
The churches of Croy and Lunyn (Lunnin), having been united to form a single prebend in 1226, appear so united in a record of Papal Taxation of 127459. Thereafter, no mention has been found of Lunnin or Lunyn, but by the mid 16th-Century, Croy and Moy is found, forming a prebend.60 This Moy is Moy(more), as distinct from the parish of Moy now with Dyke, near Forres. In King James II's charter establishing the Barony of Spynie in 1451, Croy, Moy and Duldawauch are together in the list of estates.61
Prebend of Petty & Brachelie.
By Divine Grace and with the approval of the churches' patron, Walter de Moravia (c.1205-1263), 2nd lord of Duffus, Bishop Andrew de Moravia created this prebend from the garbal teinds of both Petty and Brachelie parish churches, which act he confirmed in a charter of date 19 July 1224 x 5 May 1226.62 Permission to create this prebend was confirmed in a Papal Bull given by Honorius III, at the Lateran, on 20 April 1224.63 Walter de Moavia was to retain his rights of patronage and presentation of suitable persons to the prebend subject always to the bishop's ultimate jurisdiction.64
The two churches were each to be provided with a vicar but, very soon after the creation of the prebend, the two vicarages were united to form a single cure.65 An attempt was made in 1501 to annexe the residual fruits of this prebend to the Chapel Royal at Stirling,66 but it seems not to have been effective since there was still a canon known as "the prebendary of Petty" in the cathedral as late as 1541.67
Prebend of Aberlour & Botriphne.
This prebend was created at the same time and in the same way as that of Petty & Brachelie (vide supra). It comprised the garbal teinds of both parish churches. In the cathedral the prebendary of Aberlour was required to employ a vicar who was required to be in deacon's orders.68
Prebend of Duffus.
From a very early date, the lands of Duffus belonged to the family of de Moravia, lords of Duffus. In later times they passed, often by marriage, to other families such as Sutherland, le Chen and Dunbar.
Bishop Andrew de Moravia issued a charter, c.1223 x 1242, in which he confirmed Freskyni's gift of the church of Duffus to the cathedral to allow for the creation of a prebend.69
A charter from the Moray Registers, dated to 9 July 1238 x 16 Feb 1239, records that a gift of Walter de Moravia (d.c.1263), son of the late Hugo de Moravia (d.c.1222), had enabled a prebend to be founded in the cathedral using the whole fruits of the parish church of St Peter at Dufphus (Duffus) with all its legal belongings excepting the bishop's episcopalibus.70 A witness to this charter was Johannes, canonicus de Dufphus.
A further charter, dated to 1298 x 1310, records that John Spalding, at that time prebendary of Duffus, had given and granted the manse he had built, on land he had purchsed in the chanonry from William Vtrearii, "the Glazier", to all those who would succeed him in the canonry, in perpetuity. His successors were to pay 20s. per annum, on the Feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist [24 June], which sum was to be distributed amongst those clerics who were present to participate in the vigils and mass to be held on the anniversary of John's death.71 This manse must have been a relatively substantial building. King Edward I of England chose to stay there, on 10 and 11 September 1303, since Elgin Castle - because of its small size, state of dillapidation, and lack of creature-comforts - did not suit his puroses.72 James II, King of Scots, also took lodging in the manse in 1455.
In 1238, the prebendary of Duffus, was Hugh (de Duffus) and, in May of that year, he is found to have presented one Master Henry, to the bishop, as his choice to be vicar at Duffus.73
The canon who held the prebend of Duffus was one of the senior clerics in the cathedral. He is noted as being a hebdomadary and was required to provide a vicar in deacon's orders in the cathedral.74 The Canon of Duffus' vicar in choir at the cathedral (vicar-choral or stallar) was paid the same as the vicars of the major dignitaries of the cathedral - a fact which reflects the relative importance of this prebendary within the cathedral's Chapter.75 The cure of the parish church was served by a vicar perpetual in 1398 and it is very likely that this was the arrangement from the time that the prebend was erected.76 We are also told in this charter, given by the bishop, that the canon who held the prebend of Duffus at that time - John Hugonis (Innes), dean of christianty of Elgin - had been at the Roman Curia for some time, prosecuting the Bishop's election and so it had not been possible to present a replacement perpetual vicar to Duffus when the incumbent Johannis de Arde died. However, the bishop was putting down a marker that it was the Prebendary of Duffus' right to make provision to the said perpetual vicarage (with the bishop's approval), whenever he should return. In the previous charter in the Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis,77 issued on the same day (1 August 1398), Bishop William reveals the cause for his action when he rejects an attempt that had been made by Johannem de Ke[i]th, lord of Innerugy , to appoint Alexander Barbas, a chaplain, to the said perpetual vicarage. Keith was a 'portioner' of Duffus estate at the time, holding half the barony of Duffus,78 and no doubt assumed that, as the major portioner, he would naturally have the major right of patronage in the parish church and, therefore, the right to appoint a new perpetual vicar. The two charters are interesting in that, together, they clearly illustrate the rights of the Rector of Duffus (who was also canon prebendary of the title) over the rights claimed by the 'patron' of the church.
The student should be aware of a possible confusion here with another Elgin prebend - that of Unthank - which was created in 1542 out of certain endowments belonging to the Chapel of The Blessed Virgin Mary, which was situated within the Castle of Duffus (vide infra).
Prebend of "Centum Solidorum".
This prebend is very old indeed. It was the ninth prebend listed by bishop Andrew when he confirmed all the prebends that existed in the cathedral (1238 x 1239), and he recorded that it was founded with 100s. (centum solidorum) taken from the altarage revenues of the parish church of Elgin.79 We need to understand here that the bishop was, ex-officio, Rector of the parish church (St Giles), and that the day-to-day administration and the 'cure', were the responsibility of the Vicar, who was appointed by the Rector (the bishop).
However, by comparison to the other prebends, the edowment was 'meagre' and proved to be insufficient to maintain the canon who held it in the same condition as his brother prebendaries. Consequently, Bishop David de Moravia (1299 - 1326), probably very soon after he became bishop, determined to augment the income of the prebend by adding the whole of the revenues of the Vicarage of Elgin to it.80 In his charter, the bishop reveals that the last Vicar - who was called Hervei - had recently resigned, which removed any obstacle to the bishop's intentions. With the approval of his Chapter, Bishop David added the vicarage revenues but, he reserved from them the customary procurations and episcopalibus. More importantly, he also reserved to himself the tithes of salmon from the Port of Spey (Speymouth), and the annual rents derived from a croft called Vicarshaugh, the latter amounting to three marks per annum, half payable at each of Pentecost and Martinmas. Previously, both of these had been enjoyed by the Vicar, and the tithes of salmon would have amounted to a significant sum of money!
Prebend of Duthil.
On 12 September 1232, Bishop Andrew de Moravia reached an agreement with Gillebrigte (Gilbert), son of Gillebrigte late earl of Strathearn, whereby Gilbert was to hold one half dabhach of the lands of Kyncarny at feuferme from the bishop, rendering three marks per annum, half at Pentecost and half at Martinmas. The bishop reserved to himself all the native men (neyfs) on the land.81 As a consequence, Gilbert started to be known as Gilbert of Glencarny. Kyncarny is considered to represent the southern part of the medieval parish of Duthil.
At a date c.1238, Gilbert, the eldest son of Gilbert, earl of Strathearn, gifted the church of Duthil to the Bishop of Moray in order that a prebend might be created in the cathedral at Elgin. Very soon afterwards, this gift was confirmed by Bishop Andrew in his charter which established the composition of the cathedral.82
Prebend of Kincardine in Strathspey.
One half dabhach of the lands of this church was, in 1234, a part of the bishop's mensa as is mentioned in a charter of agreement (compositio) between Bishop Andrew and Walter Cumyn.83 Then, in 1239, Bishop Andrew assigned it to the common fund of the canons of the cathedral.
However, in 1328 it is recorded as being held singly by one of the cathedral canons, not as his prebend but as an additional free parsonage to augment his income, presumably for his lifetime only.84 It would appear that the separation from the common fund continued after this and, before 1537, Kincardine had been erected into a separate prebend and was to remain as such until the Reformation.85
Prebend of Unthank.
At a very early date, Bishop Bricius (1203-1222) gave permission to Hugh de Moravia to have a private chapel in his newly-completed castle at Duffus. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the chaplainry was to be supported "from the garbal teinds of the lands of Aldetoun86 which is between the ancient church of Kintra (Kintrae), namely from Langaphage by the ditch which flows north to the Brinhill as far as the marsh-land which is between the ancient church and Aldeton and the burn which flows towards Blynd Wollis and then to the new "foss" embankment and by that embankment to the road/track that runs from the ancient church of Kyntra to the Castle. Similarly, it is assigned the garbal teinds of the lands between the said road and those parts of Kyntraye (sic.) that lie along the south part of the road leading from the south to the castle of Duffus towards the salt-pans to the south." The chaplain was allowed the use of the following special collect (prayer) for the founder:
(God who rules the living and the dead)87
In 1542, Bishop Patrick Hepburn (1538-1573) erected the chaplainry of Duffus Castle into a prebend of the cathedral. However, it appears that a probem arose as to the naming of the new prebend since there already was a prebend of Duffus and any confusion was best avoided. The bishop made a very interesting choice in that he used the name of the ancient muinntir which had existed at nearby Unthank in the days of the Early Church. The bishop was obviously aware of the ancient sanctity of the place and chose to use it as the name of his new prebend, probably in order to root it in the history of the Early Church in these parts.
Lifetime or Personal Prebends.
We have already noted the case of William 'More', who seems to have held the rectory of Kincardine as a personal prebend in 1328. Fawcett and Oram suggest that a number of such ad hoc canonries were created from time to time by various bishops.88
In earlier times Bishop Andrew de Moravia created an extra canonry out of the revenues of the church of Gartly, which had been annexed to the episcopal mensa in the time of Bishop Richard (1187-1203) but which Richard had granted for life to one of his clerks. Sometime after 1226, Bishop Andrew made the same individual a canon of the cathedral, but he did this on the clear understanding that the ad hoc prebend would end on the death of the incumbent and the fruits would revert into his own hands.89
At the other end of the time-scale, c.1539, a temporary prebend appears to have been created for one Thomas Gaderar using the revenues of the bishop's mensal church of Dalarossie, which reverted to the bishop on the incumbent's death.90
However, it would be misleading to say that such personal or lifetime prebends were common - indeed the opposite is true - but it reflects the authority that the bishop held in his diocese to 'reward' an individual in some tangible way.
References.
1. 1187-1203 Richard (de Lincoln), bishop of Moray, gives the church of Inverhouen to Andrew, 'presbytero de Brechyn'.
[Reg. Mor., no.43, p.38]
Witnesses: Gillecrist, earl of Mar; master Robert, archd. Moray; Macbeth Macferkar, Lamberto, Galfrido, chaplains; Hugh, Henry and Richard, bishop's clerks; Bricius, deacon. (N.B. the deacon is called Bricius - the future bishop?)
2. Bishop William (1152-1162) went on a 'mission' to Rome c.1159, returning to his diocese in 1160.
3. Fawcett, R and Oram, R. (2001) Elgin Cathedral and the Diocese of Moray, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland (now HES), 57.
4. Gilbert appears as Archdeacon of Moray from 1207-1222, which corresponds to the episcopate of Bishop Bricius. Gilbert must, therefore, have been involved with Bricius' plans for the expansion of Moray's cathedral and its proposed move to Elgin.
5. Moray Reg., 11.
6. Moray Reg., 46 (dated 1208), 47 (22 Dec 1214), 81 (1238x39).
7. After William came to the throne and before Richard died.
8. RRS, iii, 250.
9. Moray Reg., 222.
10. Moray Reg., 46, dated 20 March 1207 x 17 June 1208 [POMS database: Permalink: www.poms.ac.uk/record/source/1702/]
11. Moray Reg., 46.
12. Fawcett, R and Oram, R. (2001) Elgin Cathedral and the Diocese of Moray, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland (now HES), 123.
13. Ross, A D (2003) The Province of Moray, c.1000-1230, unpublished PhD thesis presented to the University of Aberdeen, i., 70.
14. Moray Reg., 69.
15. Moray Reg., 137.
16. Lethen Bar
17. We find "Logynauedal and Logyndykis in terra de Logy" [Moray Reg.,119]; "Logyn juxta Duffus" [Moray Reg., 46, at p.41]; "Logy juxta ecclesiam de Duffhes" [Moray Reg., 131, p.144]. In Clancy, T.O. "Logy: an ecclesiastical place-name element in eastern Scotland", in TJSNS 10, 2016, 25-88, 43, we find the suggestion that 'Logyn', as used here, should be taken to mean 'an ecclesiastical site'. But it obviously does not mean the parish church, but must refer to another site close by. We may be dealing here with a muinntir of the Early Church, of which there were examples around the shore of the old Sea of Spynie; perhaps the one called Unthank that we know lay close to Duffus?
18. Moray Reg., 46, dated to 20 March 1207 x 17 June 1208 [POMS database, Permalink: www.poms.ac.uk/record/source/1702/ although this part of the charter is not detailed in the description. Accessed 30/12/2019.]
19. RRS, vol. ii, no. 142 and notes.
20. Bain, George (1893) History of Narnshire, Nairn, p.118.
21. Moray Reg., 81.
22. Moray Reg., 81.
23. Moray Reg., 50. This charter is often dated 1204x1222 (e.g. POMS www.poms.ac.uk/record/source/2562/ Accessed 04/09/20). However, Invera'n appears as a prebend in Bishop Bricius' charter (Moray Reg., 46) which POMS dates to 20 March 1207x17 June 1208. Accordingly, a more logical dating is 1204x1208.
24. Moray reg., 83. Dated 11 March 1233.
25. Moray Reg., 28. Ada, Sub-Dean, is a witness to this charter - whose date is given in its text as 1225. Lambert, Succentor, is also a witness. (This, the first known charter record, uses the term "Succentore" not "Sub-Chanter", and it is for this reason that succentor is the term of choice in all of our work for this member of the Chapter of Moray.)
26. Moray Reg., 93.
27. Moray Reg., 81. It is possible that this refers to the Eas of Auchness - a waterfall at
28. Moray Reg., 69.
29. The Chancellor had held the lands of Fothervais (Ardclach), not the church. The latter, I suspect, had always been held by the bishop as part of the episcopal barony of Ardclach.
30. Moray Reg., 69.
31. Moray Reg., 93. Burgyn = Burgie
32. Moray Reg., 137.
33. It is important to realize that this prebend relates to the ancient lands of Moy near Forres
34. Moray Reg., 55.
35. Moray Reg., 61.
36. Moray Reg., 55, 61 (decimis garbarum infra parochiam del Muy provenientium), 81 (omnibus decimis garbarum infra parochiam de Moy provenientium).
37. Fawcett, R and Oram, R. (2001) Elgin Cathedral and the Diocese of Moray, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland (now HES), 124.
38. Moray Reg., 55, 61.
39. Moray Reg., 210 (at p. 268), 278.
40. Moray Reg., 73.
41. In this case, the judges appointed by the Holy See were Walter, abbot of Deer, Alexander, dean of Aberdeen, and Malcolm, archdeacon of Aberdeen. These three, in turn, appointed deputies - Herbert, the abbot of Kinloss; Thomas, the prior of Urquhard; and the prior of Kinloss whose name has not come down to us. However, three years later, Brother Symon is recorded as prior of Kinloss [Moray Reg., no. 77] and it is possible that it was he who acted as the third deputy.
42. Macdonald, J. (1900) Place Names of West Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen University Studies, no. 3, 150. Macdonald is quite clear that 'Cumery' = Cairnie, although he notes, on the same page, that Gartly was known as "Cummerton" and this happens to be close to Drumbulg.
43. Moray Reg., 30. The lands of 'Petynlurg' (Pitlurg) lie some 4km south of Keith
44. Moray Reg., 35. These two streams are difficult to locate, however, the Burn of Davidston is formed by the confluence of the Burn of Bogallie and the Burn of Bellyhack, just to the east of Lower Lynemore
45. Moray Reg., 73, 81.
46. Moray Reg., 81.
47. Moray Reg., 278.
48. Moray Reg., 63. Malcolm I, earl of Fife, is thought to have died c.1228.
49. Moray Reg., 16.
50. Batten, E.C. (1877) The Charters of the Priory of Beauly, London: for the Grampian Club, 119.
51. Moray Reg., 19; RRS, ii, no. 476. The POMS Database makes Kathern = Cathcart, but Cosmo Innes in the index of the Registrum Episcopatus Moraviensis makes Kathern = Strathearn? The Lords of Cathcart at this time were William followed by his son Alan [Douglas, R. The Peerage of Scotland, 139. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/e/ecco/004896980.0001.000/1:67?rgn=div1;view=fulltext] accessed 24/09/2020.
Gille Brigte (d.1223), was the 3rd earl of Strathearn. [https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=gilbert+of+strathearn] accessed 24/09/2020.
My vote goes to "Gilbert of Strathearn"!
52. Moray Reg., 68.
53. Moray Reg., 81.
54. Moray Reg., 103.
55. Fawcett, R. and Oram, R. (2014) Elgin Cathedral and the Diocese of Moray, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland (now HES), 122-128.
56. Moray Reg., 68, 81. The "canonicus de Croyn qui est vicarius Episcopi."
57. Moray Reg., 68.
58. Moray Reg., 97.
59. SHS Misc.. vi, 45.
60. Thirds of Benefices, 214.
61. Moray Reg., 193, 233.
62. Moray Reg., 61.
63. Moray Reg., 67.
64. Moray Reg., 81.
65. Cown, I.B. (1967) The Parishes of Medieval Scotland, Edinburgh: Scottish Record Society, Vol. 93, 22.
66. Cowan, I.B. (1967) The Parishes of Medieval Scotland, Edinburgh: Scottish Records Society, Vol. 93, 164.
67. Fraser, Wm., (1883) The Chiefs of Grant, Vol. 3, 367. A John Ogilvie, prebendary of Petty, was witness to a charter of Bishop Hepburn, given in the Chapter House of Moray, on 7 May 1541.
68. Moray Reg., 278.
69. Moray Reg., 59.
70. Moray Reg., 81.
71. Moray Reg., 132.
72. Taylor, James (1858) Edward I of England in the North Scotland, Elgin: Jeans, 213–4.
73. Moray Reg., 212. Henry is styled magister, showing that he had probably had a university education - this would reflect the standing of the vicarage in question.
74. Moray Reg., 278.
75. Moray Reg., 210. The Canon of Duffus' vicar was to be paid ten marks p.a., the same as was paid to the vicars of the Chancellor, Treasurer, and Archdeacon.
76. Moray Reg., 252.
77. Moray Reg., 251.
78. In 1345, Sir Reginald le Chen, lord of Duffus, Inverugie, Akergill and Straloch, died, ending the male line. He left two daughters to inherit his estates. One of these daughters, Mariotta le Chen, heiress of half of Duffus, married John, second son of Sir Edward de Keith, the 11th Marischal of Scotland. As a consequence, John de Keith inherited, through his wife, half of the Duffus properties.
79. Moray Reg., 81.
80. Moray Reg., 133.
81. Moray Reg., 80; Neville, Acts of the Earls of Strathearn, Add. Chrs., no. 13; Fraser, Wm., (1883) The Chiefs of Grant, vol. 3, p. 4.
82. Moray Reg., 81.
83. Moray Reg., 85. Walter Cumyn (Comyn) (d.1258) was Earl of Menteith.
84. C.P.L., vol. ii (1305-1342). "On 11Kal Nov. 1328, the Pope writes to William called 'More', canon of Moray, who by dispensation of his bishop holds the rectory of Kincardine, which he obtained when under age, and has not since been ordained, but has spent the greater part of the fruits of the said church in replacing its wooden construction by one of stone. Dispensation is given to receive the fruits received, and on resigning the rectory to accept a benefice or cathedral dignity without cure of souls." [Avignon (f. 88)]
85. Cowan, I.B. (1967) Parishes, 110; Cowan, Medieval Church, 95.
86. It is suggested that Aulton (Old Town) must have been a part of the estate of Westfield (Dunbars of Westfield)
87. Moray Reg., 211.
88. Fawcett, R and Oram, R. (2001) Elgin Cathedral and the Diocese of Moray, Edinburgh: Historic Scotland (now HES), 124.
89. Cowan, Medieval Church, 95.
90. Moray Reg., intro., xxiii; Cowan, I.B. (1967) Parishes, 43.