The Medieval Church
The feudal lords of the medieval period worked to build up the
church. As well as reasons of belief, they also had political and
practical reasons for this. The church introduced trained men who
could minister to the people, encourage them in arts and crafts,
help them in sickness and distress and act as clerks, lawyers and
teachers.
Evidence is limited, but private chapels of the lords seem to have
developed over time into parish churches, endowed on cathedral
churches or monasteries. In the 12th century David
I organised the parish churches under the bishoprics, divided
into deaneries in line with the feudal political administration.
Ayrshire parishes, divided into three deaneries, were all allocated
to the diocese of Glasgow. The Galloway diocese had no connection
at first to these, as it considered itself subordinate to York
until the 14th century. It slowly came under Scottish authority and
by the time Glasgow became an archdiocese in 1492, Galloway was
included in the see.
Parish churches in Ayrshire were possessed by or contributed to
Glasgow Cathedral, the Chapel Royal, Stirling and in one case to
Whithorn (Kirkmichael). All other Ayrshire parish churches were
associated with various regular orders, both within Ayrshire and
beyond.
Several old medieval churches survive as ruins, such as the old
kirk at Alloway and the Tower of St. John's in Ayr, while the
medieval Norman church at Symington remains intact and in use. Each
church had a number of altars and funeral rites, requiem masses and
yearly remembrances were very elaborate. Records such as the
surviving Obit Book of St John's give a clear insight into these
practices.
In addition to the parish churches, there were also chapels, with
one in most parishes. Little is known of most of these,
however.
From the 12th century grants of land were made by the king and
lords to monastic orders to found abbeys in Scotland. In Ayrshire
these were Kilwinning (1140), Crosraguel (1244) and Fail (13th or
14th Century), each endowed with lands and a number of parishes.
There were also Dominicans or Black Friars (pre 1242) and later
Franciscans or Grey Friars (1474) in Ayr. The Carmelites or White
Friars came to Irvine in the 14th century. Such orders had
considerable influence, as they held large areas of land, plus
controlled most of the parish churches.
The church also maintained spittals, which were endowed for the
care of the poor and afflicted and to cater for pilgrims and
travellers. These were each run by a priest, under control of the
bishop and combined the functions of hospital and hospice. One of
these was the leper-house St Ninian's of Kincase, endowed by and
probably made use of by Robert the Bruce.
In its parochial organisation the church ministered to the
spiritual needs of the population. Such social services as existed
were the responsibility of the church, but the extent of these are
unclear. Evidence of schools is fragmentary, beginning to appear in
the 13th century, but schooling will have been available for
potential priests.
Notable churchmen from Ayrshire, or who served here,
include:
Duncan Pettit, native of Ayr - became Chancellor of Scotland in
1370
James Kennedy from Carrick - became Archbishop of St Andrews in
1430 and a founder of the university. He was adviser to James II
(at first as a minor) and James III.
Michael Gray - Ayr-born friar became leader of church reform in
15th century
Martin Reid, of Barskimming - 1506 became Chancellor Glasgow
Cathedral & Rector of Glasgow University
Walter Kennedy, priest-poet - Provost of the Collegiate Church of
Maybole
George Lockhart of Ayr - great scholar (of international
reputation) in the final days of the medieval church in
Ayrshire
Quintin Kennedy, Abbot of Crosraguel - also outstanding scholar in
the final days of the medieval church in Ayrshire
John Major, vicar of Dunlop 1509-1540, became later the King's
Secretary and one of the first great Scottish Historians.
