Walter Capellanus | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Glasgow | |
| Church | Roman Catholic Church |
| Diocese | Glasgow |
| Appointed | 7 December 1207 |
| Term ended | 1232 |
| Predecessor | Florence of Holland |
| Successor | William de Bondington |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 2 November 1208 |
| Personal details | |
| Died | 1232 |
Walter Capellanus was a prominentRoman Catholic bishop and political figure in theKingdom of Scotland during the reigns ofWilliam the Lion andAlexander II.
Walter Capellanus began his clerical career as the chaplain (capellanus) to King William the Lion. His close connection to the royal court helped him rise through the ecclesiastical ranks. In 1207, following the resignation ofBishop Florence, Walter was elected Bishop of Glasgow with royal backing. He was consecrated on 2 November 1208.
Walter played a key role in expanding the influence of the Church in Glasgow. He secured various privileges for the city, including a charter in 1226 that revoked the right of the burgh of Rutherglen to levy tolls in Glasgow, significantly benefiting Glasgow's merchants.[1]
Under his leadership, significant progress was made in the construction ofGlasgow Cathedral. Notable developments during his tenure include the extension of the nave and the construction of the south-west door and the entrance to the Blacader Aisle.[1]
Walter was deeply involved in church diplomacy. He attended theFourth Council of the Lateran in 1215, representing Scotland alongside the bishops of St Andrews and Moray.[2] In 1218, he traveled to Rome with the bishops of Moray and Caithness to obtain absolution for the excommunication imposed on KingAlexander II and the Kingdom of Scotland by the papal legate,Guala Bicchieri. The mission was successful, and absolution was granted byPope Honorius III.[2]
In 1219, Walter faced accusations of uncanonical behavior. A canon of Glasgow, Master William, alleged that Walter had bribed the royal chamberlain, Philip de Valognes, with 100 merks and promised more payments to the queen in exchange for the bishopric of Glasgow. Additionally, Walter was accused of nepotism and maintaining an immoral household. However, an investigation led by the papal legate Pandulf Verraccio did not lead to his removal, and Walter continued as bishop.[3]
Walter was also involved in supporting other religious institutions. On 19 May 1232, he granted a charter toKelso Abbey, a prominentTironensian monastery, which reflected his broader involvement in the Scottish religious community.[4]
Walter Capellanus died in 1232, shortly after his charter to Kelso Abbey. He left a lasting legacy through his contributions to the construction of Glasgow Cathedral and his diplomatic efforts on behalf of the Scottish church. He was succeeded byWilliam de Bondington.[3]
| Religious titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Bishop of Glasgow 1207/8–32 | Succeeded by |
{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link){{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)