OS1/6/3/139
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MONASTERY (Site of) [Holy Island] | Monastery Monastery Monastery |
New Stat Acct [Statistical Account] J. McBride Holy isle Wilson's Arch[Archaeology] of Scotland |
250 | "This Monastery was apparently erected by Reginald de Insulis, between 1206 & 1212. probably in connection with the monastery of Saddell in Cantyre, founded by him, and to which he granted lands in Arran, The traces of this monastery were till lately to be seen north of the Cave, beside a burying ground, which was long used as the chief place of Sepulture for Arran, till the loss of life by the upsetting of a boat led to a discontinuance of the practice" Not a vestige now marks the site of either, but a large thorn bus, which 'tis said grows on the site of the grave yard, "The Dean of the isles, says that on this isle of Molas, was foundit by John Lord of the Isles Ane Monastry of Friars which is decayit. But notwithstanding this, it contributed largely to the support of others on the mainland. Thus Lamlash & the lands round the bay; And those from Corry to Lochranza, were annexed to the Abbey of Kilwhinnin & those of Shiskin, Kilmore, Torelin, & Benane to that of Sandale or Saddel in Cantyre. I imagine that I must have seen the site of it from the top of Carn Baan; therefore take the liberty of mentioning it as having been a convent of Cistercians, founded by Reginaldus, son of Somerled, lord of the Isles: the same Somerled who was slain near Renfrew in 1164. Here was also a Castle belonging to the Successors of that petty prince; whose owner Angus lord of the isles, gave protection during the distresses to Robert Bruce" Pennant's Tour of 1772 p[page] 215 "In the same island Archdeacon Monro places 'a monastery of friars', which he says was founded by John Lord of the Isles, and in 1549 was decayed. It seems to be the same that is styled by Clemant the ruins of the Chapel of Saint Maeljos; And stood about a mile north, from the cave of the Saint, but with its cemetery was entirely removed about the year 1835." Origines Parochiales. "Monro, Dean of the Isles speaks of a monastery in the Holy Isle, built by one of the sons of Somerled, And endowed by him with the lands round the bay of Lamlash; And Somerled himself is said to have built a Castle in the same island". New Stat [Statistical] Account. "There are no ruins none to be traced but Dean Monro says that it had 'ane Monastery of Friars' founded by John, Lord of the Isles 'which is decayit'. That was in 1594; & what was then decayed, has now disappeared. It is further said that there was once a Castle here, built by Somerlid." Fullarton's Gazetteer. "Even in the time of the dean himself (1594) the monastery was in ruins; but the consecrated ground on which it stood was for many generations after him used as a burying place by the people of Arran. The cause of its abondonment was the loss of a number of people who were accompanying a funeral to this place. The boat which carried them was upset by one of those sudden and violent squalls of wind, which the bay of Lamlash is in unsettled weather so often visited. The situation of this burying place was pointed out by a number of rude tombstones; till 2 years ago a modern utilitarian cleared the spot, and turned the bones and ashes of the dead to account, by rearing from them a crop of onions and carrots." New Stat[Statistical] Account |
Continued entries/extra info
[page] 139 -- 10Parish of Kilbride
[Note by] JB Lt RE [John Bayly Lieutenant Royal Engineers] "Would it not be well to write (13th. Century) on plan? "
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Chr1smac -Moderator, Brenda Pollock
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