Abbot of Deer


The Abbot of Deer, was the head of the Cistercian monastic community of Deer Abbey in Buchan. It was founded in 1219 by William Comyn, jure uxoris Earl of Buchan. There was an earlier community of Scottish monks or priests which was probably absorbed by the new foundation. It was turned into a secular lordship for Commendator Robert Keith II in 1587. The following is a list of known abbots and commendators:

List of abbots

  • Robert, 1219-1220
  • Alexander, 1220-1222
  • Herbert, 1224
  • Walran, 1224 x 1226-1234
  • Hugh, 1234-1235
  • Robert, 1235-1252
  • Henry, 1252-1262
  • Adam de Smalham, ? 1262-1267
  • Hugh, 1267
  • Richard, x 1289
  • Brice, 1296
  • Michael, 1316-1327x1328
  • John, 1338 x 1346
  • Robert, 1355 x 1366
  • Thomas, 1395-1406 x c.1416
  • Robert Crokat, c.1416-1423
  • Arthur de Calamo, 1428-1435
  • David Cran, 1430-1435
  • Andrew Symonis, 1435-1439
  • Nicholas de Forres, 1439-1457
  • Patrick Mador, 1441
  • William Ernot, 1457-1477 x 1483
  • David Bane, 1458-1460
  • Nicholas Sharp, 1482
  • Thomas Bett, 1483
  • James Pethindreich, 1483-1507 x 1510
  • Nicholas Flaigi, 1505
  • John Innes, 1509-1543

List of commendators