The Abbot of Kelso (later Commendator of Kelso) was the head of the Tironensian monastic community at Kelso Abbey in the Scottish Borders. Originally, he was the Abbot of Selkirk, because from its foundation in 1113 by David, Prince of the Cumbrians (1113-1124) until it was moved to Kelso by David (then King of Scots, 1124-1153) and John, bishop of Glasgow in 1127. The abbot was the first in Scotland to be granted the mitre in 1165. In the 16th century the monastery increasingly came under secular control, and finally in 1607 it was granted as a secular lordship (Holydean) to its last commendator, Robert Ker of Cesford, later earl of Roxburghe. The following is a list of abbots and commendators:
Radulf, 1113-1116 x 1117
William, 1118-1119
Herbert, 1119-1127
Herbert, 1127-1147. The same as the last abbot of Selkirk; became bishop of Glasgow.
Ernald, 1147-1160. Became bishop of St Andrews.
John, 1160-1180
Osbert, 1180-1203. Previously prior of Lesmahagow, a Kelso daughter-house.
Geoffrey, 1203
Richard de Cane (Cave ?), 1206-1208
Henry, 1208-1218
Richard, 1218-1221
Herbert Maunsel, 1221-1239
Hugh, 1236-1248
Robert de Smalhame, 1248-1258
Patrick, 1258-1260
Henry de Lambden, 1260-1275
J[ ], 1281
Richard, 1285-1299
Thomas de Durham, 1299 x 1307. An English royal appointee. Later became prior of Lesmahagow.
Waleran, 1307-1311
William de Alyncrome, 1317-1326
William de Dalgarnock, 1329-1342
Roger, 1351-1353
William, 1353 -1354
William de Bolden, 1367-1372
Patrick, 1392-1411?
William de Kelso, 1411-1426
William, 1435-1447
Richard Robson (Roberts), 1456-1464
George Bois (Boy), 1460
William Bonkil (Bonde), 1462
Alan de Camera (Kuk, Cook), 1464-1466
Richard Robson,1466 -1468
Richard Wylie, 1467
Robert Ker, 1468-1506
Richard Wylie (again), 1469 -1473. Opposed election of Ker, but resigned his rights. Was prior of Lesmahagow since 1469.
George, 1476
Andrew Forman, 1511. Also bishop of Moray (1501-1514), commendator of May (1495-1515 x 1521) and commendator of Dryburgh (1509-1514 x 1516); previously commendator of Culross (1492-1493), later became commendator of Arbroath (1514), archbishop of St Andrews (1514-1521) and commendator of Dunfermline (1514-1521).
Andrew Stewart, 1511-1517. Bishop of Caithness (1501-1516), as Andrew Stewart I.
Thomas Ker (Car), 1513-1534
James Stewart, 1534-1557. Bastard son of King James V of Scotland. Also commendator of Melrose (1535-1557); not to be confused with his brother and namesake, James Stewart, Earl of Moray.
Louis de Guise, 1558-1559. Also commendator of Melrose (1558-1559), succeeding James Stewart.
William Ker I, 1559-1566
John Maitland of Thirlstane, 1567. Became prior of Coldingham (1567-1561) in exchange with Francis Stewart I; later reasserted his right to Kelso (1587-1588)
Francis Stewart (I) the elder, 1567-1592
Francis Stewart (II) the younger, 1588
William Ker II, 1588
Robert Ker of Cesford, 1592
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