Florence of Holland

Florence or Florentius (died November 30, 1210) was a late 12th century and early 13th century nobleman and cleric.

He was the son of Florence III, Count of Holland and Ada of Huntingdon, sister of Kings Malcolm IV of Scotland and William I.

Florence chose an ecclesiastical career, and before 1202 was provost of Utrecht. [ Watt, D. E. R., & Murray, A. L., editors, "Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Medii Aevi Ad Annum 1638", revised edition, Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 2003, p.189] But his status as nephew of the current King of Scots, (i.e. William), undoubtedly persuaded Florence to pursue a career in the Scotland. In 1202, Florence was elected bishop of Glasgow, one of the most powerful and wealthy sees in the kingdom, and is recorded as Chancellor of Scotland on November 4, 1203. [ Watt, D. E. R., & Murray, A. L., editors, "Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Medii Aevi Ad Annum 1638", revised edition, Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 2003, p.189]

It appears though that Florence was never consecrated, yet is found reserving his right when still only Bishop-elect before May 15, 1207. [ Watt, D. E. R., & Murray, A. L., editors, "Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Medii Aevi Ad Annum 1638", revised edition, Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 2003, p.189] He resigned that position to Pope Innocent III in December 1207. the reasons for his non-consecration are unknown.

Florence died as a monk at Middelburg in Zeeland. [ Watt, D. E. R., & Murray, A. L., editors, "Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae Medii Aevi Ad Annum 1638", revised edition, Scottish Record Society, Edinburgh, 2003, p.189]

Notes

References

*Dowden, John, "The Bishops of Scotland", ed. J. Maitland Thomson, (Glasgow, 1912)