- Inchmahome Priory
Inchmahome Priory is situated on
Inchmahome ("Inch" meaning anisland ), the largest of three islands in the centre ofLake of Menteith , close toAberfoyle ,Scotland .The name "Inchmahome" comes from the Gaelic "Innis MoCholmaig", meaning Island of St Colmaig.
The
priory was founded in 1238 by theEarl of Menteith ,Walter Comyn , for a small community of theAugustinian order (the Black Canons). TheComyn family were one of the most powerful in Scotland at the time, and had an imposing country house on Inch Talla, one of the other islands on the lake. There is some evidence that there was a church on the island before the priory was established.The priory has a long history of receiving many notable guests. King Robert the Bruce visited three times, in 1306, 1308 and 1310. His visits were likely politically motived, as the first
prior had sworn allegiance to Edward I, the English king. In 1358 the future King Robert II also stayed at the priory. In 1547 the priory served as a refuge for Mary Queen of Scots, aged four, hidden here for a few weeks following the disastrous defeat of the Scots army at theBattle of Pinkie Cleugh duringthe Rough Wooing .Decline of the monastic orders in the 16th century was hastened by the fact that the heads of
abbey s and priories became appointees of the local landowner, who often did not share the religious goals of themonk s or ordainedpriests . In 1547, the office passed to John, Lord Erskine, who later became head of Cambuskenneth and Dryburgh abbeys. TheScottish Reformation meant that there were no newpriest s being ordained, and religious land and buildings gradually passed into secular hands, leading to the priory's gradual decline. In 1606 the land and property passed to the Erskine family, and later to theMarquess of Montrose ; the 6th Duke of Montrose passed it into the care of the State in 1926.The author, radical and nationalist politician
Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham and his wife Gabriela Cunninghame Graham are buried in the ruined chancel of the priory, where there is also a stone commemorating his nephew and heir Admiral Sir Angus Edward Malise Bontine Cunninghame Graham KBE CB CBE RNAlthough most of the buildings are now ruins, much of the original 13th century structure remains, and it is now in the care of
Historic Scotland , who maintain and preserve it as an important historic site. The priory can be visited by boat, operated by Historic Scotland from the nearby pier atPort of Menteith , from March to September.External links
* [http://www.ancient-scotland.co.uk/site.php?a=95 Ancient Scotland]
* [http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/properties_sites_detail?propertyID=PL_157 Historic Scotland Information Page]ee also
*
Prior of Inchmahome , for a list of priors and commendators
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