Inchmahome Priory
Inchmahome Priory are the ruins of a former Augustinian monastery. They are located on the island of the same name in the Lake of Menteith near Aberfoyle, Stirling in Scotland. The name " Inchmahome " comes from the Gaelic Innis MoCholmaig, where Innis stands for island and MoCholmaig points to the Holy Colmaig.
History
In the documents of the diocese of Dunblane can be found on the insula Macholem already for the year 1210, the evidence of a pastor.
In 1238, Walter Comyn, Lord of Badenoch and jure uxoris received permission also Earl of Menteith by the Bishop of Dunblane, on the largest island in the lake to build a monastery. For this purpose a part of the income from the communities Leny, Inchmahome, Kilmadock and Linlathan was used, the corresponding lands were awarded to the new monastery. The reason for this request and the subsequent construction was near the residence of the Lords of Badenoch, who had already at that time on the neighboring island Inchtalla a residence.
For the award of the monastery was decided against a unworldly monastic orders. With the election of the known as frank Augustinian canons, which were established as Black Canons since 1120 in Scotland, Walter Comyn hoped for a supplement of religious life in this district. At the same time was avoided with this decision to the potential desire for power of the monastery superintendent; despite large estates no abbey, but only a priory was established.
Adam, the first documented prior, but his oath swore against the English King Edward I, Hammer of the Scots in 1296. Was only three out of the Scottish king Robert the Bruce in the years 1306, 1308 and 1310 were, along with corresponding reductions, this loyalty to Scotland steer. Also, the future King Robert II visited the monastery in 1358 paid a visit and made it appropriate commitments.
1508 an unsuccessful attempt was made to strike the priory has since become rich by Royal Chapter in Stirling. Another attempt to unite them in 1536 with the Abbey in Jedburgh, foundered on the opposition of Robert Erskine (son of John Erskine, 5th Lord Erskine and at that time in possession of the Commandery of Inchmahome Priory ).
1547 Queen Mary was brought to the lost Battle of Pinkie Cleugh for Scotland with her mother, Marie de Guise in the short term Inchmahome Priory in safety. While it is claimed that Mary had started there with her studies and was interested in landscape gardening, but her toddler years and a stay of three weeks make these statements untrustworthy.
With the Reformation in 1560, the end came for Inchmahome Priory. The slowly decaying plant was overwritten with the lands to the abbeys of Dryburgh and Cambuskenneth, in 1604 by the King to John Erskine, 19th Earl of Mar. Owned by the Erskine family they remained until the end of the 17th century, it was the property of the Marquis of Montrose. James Graham, 6th Duke of Montrose handed over the plant in 1926 in government oversight.
Architecture
Inchmahome Priory corresponds in its ground plan other monasteries of that time. Located in the north of the church plant is almost 50 meters long, but even more striking, 10 meters wide. At this, the sacristy, the bell tower and a north aisle are grown.
South of the church is the cloister, attached to these are east of the chapter house, the refectory to the southeast and to the south the dormitory. Several stairs indicate space upstairs.
The plant today
The remains of Inchmahome Priory range from foundation tracks up to twice a man's height preserved remains of walls. Fine stonework in the church, on the south side of the cloister and chapter house testify to the former wealth of the Priory. The building now the best preserved is the chapter house, but was restored and given a new roof.
Inchmahome Priory is run as a category B listed building and managed by Historic Scotland. The system can only be visited in the summer months from April to October. Access to the island is by boat, which runs from investors from Menteith.