Chapter I - The Scotch monasteries - 1
Paisley Abbey
One of the Great Monasteries of Scotland
Sketch of these
Their Architecture
Their Revenues
Their Position in the Country
Their Destruction.
Chapter II - Monastic Life - 7
Popular Idea of a Scotch Monk
The Inmates of a Monastery
The Abbot
The Prior
Other Officials
Religious Services
Fare of the Monks
Daily Life of a Convent.
Chapter III - Clunaic Benedictines.- 18
St. Benedict
His Rules for a Monastic Life
The Abbey of Clugny
Its Dependencies
Clunaic Monks
Their Rule
Their Discipline
Their Charity
Their Love of Literature and Study of Scripture.
Chapter V. - The Founding of the Monastery. - 25
Paisley Abbey a Memorial of the Stewarts
The Origin of this Family
Walter, Son of Alan
The Shropshire Colonist
His Settlement in Renfrewshire
Founds a Monastery at Paisley
Brings Monks from Wenlock
Obtains the Sanction of the Abbot of Clugny
Endows the Convent with ands and Churches
The Foundation Charters
Detail of Privileges
Paisley.
Chapter V. - St Mirin and the patron Saints. - 36
St. James
St. Milburga
St Mirinus
Legend of St. Milburga, the Shropshire Saint
Early Church in Paisley Dedicated to St. Mirin
His Life
Aberdeen Breviary
Mirin Leaves Ireland
A Companion of Columbanus, the Apostle of Gaul
Probably an Abbot
Notices of him throughout Scotland
Office for his day
Prayer and Lessons.
Chapter VI. - The priory 1164-1248. - 45
Osbert First Prior of the Monastery
Benefactors of the House
Eschina of Molla
Gifts of Churches
Wealthy Men Assuming the Monastic Habit
Henry De St. Martin
Highland Benefactors
Reginald, the Son of Somerled, Lord of the Isles
The Followers of the Stewart
Their Generosity
State of the Country and its Inhabitants
Death of Walter, the Founder
His Burial in the Priory. 45
Chapter VII. - The Abbey - 1200-1248. - 54
The Monastery a Priory in the Beginning of Thirteenth Century
The Second Stewart
His Benefactions
Churches in Bute
St. Blane
Walter, the Third Stewart
His Gifts
Transference of the Lands and Property of the Monastery of Dalmulin to Paisley
Reservations of Privileges by the Stewarts
The Rights of the Chase
The Forest of Fereneze
Negotiations with Clugny for raising the Convent to an Abbey
Licence to Elect an Abbot given from Rome and Clugny
William, First Abbot of Paisley
His Defence of the Rights of the Convent
Goes to Rome
Dispute about Lands in Dumbartonshire
The Contumacious Rector of Kilpatrick
Defies Abbot William
Is Summoned before Papal Delegates and Obliged to Yield
Gilbert, Son of Samuel of Renfrew, a Despoiler of the Church
Is Excommunicated
Abbot William an Able Ruler.
Chapter VIII. The prosperous Times of Alexander III - 1248-1286 - 64
Life of the Abbey in this Prosperous Period
Last Notice of Abbot William
His Enrichment of the Abbey
Curious Transaction in regard to Crosraguel
Attempt to Evade the Erection of a Cell at that place
The Abbot Compelled to Build a Monastery there by Earl Duncan of Carrick
Death and Burial of Walter the Stewart
His Son, Alexander Encloses a Park for Deer
Goes on a Pilgrimage to St. James of Compestella
Comes to Paisley for the Benediction of the Abbot
His Valour at the Battle of Largs
Connection between the Abbey and Highland Proprietors
Incumbents of the Highland Parishes
Singular Payment by the Vicar of one of them
The Comfortable Estate of the Abbey at this Period
Money lending
Boiamund of Vicci
Rental of Abbey in his Roll
The Great Bull of Pope Clement IV .
Confirms the Privileges of the House
Enumerates its Possessions
Defines its Rights
Excommunicates those who Infringe them
Death of Alexander the Stewart. 64
Chapter IX. - The Interregnum - John Baliol - 1286-1292. - 78
Death of Alexander III.
The Calamities which Followed that Event
The Abbey Shares in the Hardships of the Time
Few Gifts Bestowed
Privileges much Restricted
James, the Stewart, Prominent in all the Intrigues of the Time
Proposed Marriage of the Maid of Norway
Parliament at Brigham
The Abbot of Paisley Present
Subjugation of Scotland by the English King
Walter, Abbot of Paisley, Swears Fealty to him
Humiliation of the Abbot at Berwick
Obliged to Pay Certain Debts to Monastery of Sempringham
Other Troubles
Dispute regarding Lands in Kylpatrick
Robert Wishart, Bishop of Glasgow, takes part with the Abbot
Robert Reddihow and his Wile Attempt to Drag the latter before the Court of the Earl of Lennox
The Bishop Excommunicates them and All Aiding and Abetting them
Struggle Between the Secular and Spiritual Power
The Abbey Visited by a Ghost
Tale from the "Chronicle of Lanercost."
Chapter X. - Wallace and Bruce - 1297-1329. 88
Sir William Wallace
A Vassal of the Stewart
A Parishioner of the Abbey
Probably received his Education there
The Monks take the Patriotic Side
Disappearance of the English St. Milburga from the Records
The Stewart, their Patron, Involved in the Troubles of the Country
Sufferings of the Monks
The Abbey Burnt by the English
Abbot Roger Buys a House in Glasgow, to which the Monks probably Remove
The Diram Gueram
Murder of Comyn by Robert Bruce
Latter seeks Absolution from the Pope
Commission by the Pope's Penetentiary to the Abbot to Absolve Bruce and appoint him Penance
Death of James the Stewart
His Son, Walter, at Bannockburn
Marries Marjory, daughter of King Robert
Death of Marjory, and Burial in Abbey
Tradition regarding her Death
Walter bestows the Church of Largs on the Convent for her soul
He Dies at Bathgate, is carried to Paisley, and Interred there
Succeeded by Robert, his Son.
Chapter XI. - Accession of the Stewarts - 1329-1370. 101
Abbot and Convent seek to repair their dilapidated fortunes
Gift of Three Churches by Brother Andrew, "Minister of Argyle "
Gift from John Lindsay, Bishop of Glasgow, towards Rebuilding the Church
Robert De Caral receives one of the Abbey Churches from the Pope
Barratry
Concession by Earl Malcolm of Lennox
Privilege of a Gallows
Regency of Randolph
Abbot John petitions the Pope for Right to Wear Mitre and Ring
Granted in Bull from Avignon
Abbey again in Difficulties
Edward Baliol keeps Christmas at Renfrew
Confirmation of Lands by Robert, the Stewart
Privileges of the Convent Invaded by the Bishop of Argyle
The Abbot appeals for Protection to the Conservators of the Privileges of the Clunaic Order
They deal summarily with the Bishop
His Contumacy
Settlement of the Dispute
Abbot at a Parliament at Perth
Robert, the Stewart, becomes King of Scotland
Abbey under Royal Patronage.
Chapter XII. - Royal Ptronage - 1370-1405 - 110
Abbey begins a new course of Prosperity
Reviving activity of the Community exemplified
The Abbot exercises Discipline, and holds a Visitation at Crosraguel
Cites Abbot Roger of that Monastery, and Relieves him of his Office
Enters upon a Contention with the Canone of Sempringham and their Procurators
Reginald and Sir W. More of Abercorn
The latter makes a Raid upon the Monastery
Abbot gives a pitiful account of it to the Conservators of the Privileges of his Order
King Robert II. and his Son, John, come to the Relief of the Monks
The King erects their Lands of Lennox into a Barony
Abbot John de Lithgw or Lithgow
Refuses to have his Election Confirmed by the Bishop of Glasgow, or to seek his Blessing
Constant Litigations, in which the Abbot was Involved
John of Auchinleck Severely Fined for Castrating a Monk
Death of King Robert II.
Accession oŁ his Son John by the title of Robert III.
A Good Friend to the Abbey
Erects their Lands in Ayr, Peebles, and Roxburgh into a Barony
Falling off of Benefactions
The Last of the Endowments
Sorrows of the King
His Death, and Burial in the Abbey
The Epitaph he desired for his Tomb
Vanitas Vanitatum.
Chapter XIII. - Restoration - 1405-1459. - 122
The Abbot and Convent Excommunicated, and Appeal to the Pope, who absolves them
William De Chishelme colleague to Abbot Lithgw
Thomas Morwe sncceeds him
Receives Safe Conducts to go to England
King James I. seeks to Reform the Church
His Letters to the Benedictine Monasteries
The Abbey of Paisley in need of his admonition
Relaxation of Discipline
Death of John De Lithgw
Abbot T. Morwe at a General Council
Richard De Bodwell Abbot
Is promoted to Dunfermline, and succeeded by
Thomas De Tervas
Energy of the New Ruler
Revives Discipline
King James I. confers great privileges on the Abbot
Gives him exclusive jurisdiction over his tenants
Power of Repledging
Right to sell Wine and keep tavern within the Monastery
Abbot Tervas goes abroad, and brings home adornments for the Church
His Death and Character. . 122
Chapter XIV. - Abbots Henry Crichton and George Shaw - 1459~1498. - 132
Curious transaction at the death of Thomas Tervas
Henry Crichton made Commendator of Paisley on condition of paying a Pension to the Cardinal of St. Mark's, Venice
Fails to make Payment, and is Degraded from his Office
Patrick Grahame, Bishop of St. Andrews, made Commendator
Crichton makes his peace with the Roman authorities, and is made Abbot
His ability as a Statesman and Ecclesiastic
Curious Dispute with a Highland Chieftain
Crichton promoted to Dunfermline
Stir occasioned by the latter event
The King claims the appointment of all Abbots
Injury done to the Church by this exercise of Royal patronage
Decay of order and good Government
George Shaw made Abbot of Paisley
James II., his good friend, gives the Convent new privileges
Attempted Visitation of the Abbey by the Dean of Rutherglen
Scene at the Gate
Visit of the King to the Abbey and the shrine of St. Mirin
His Gifts to the Masons engaged in adding to the buildings
The works carried on by the Abbot
His kindness to the Monks
Is made Lord High Treasurer of Scotland
Becomes a Pensioner of the Abbey, and is succeeded by his nephew, Robert Shaw, vicar of Munkton
Character of Abbot George.
Chapter XV. - The Burgh - 146
Origin of Burghs
Their Privileges
The Village of Paisley
Jealousy of the Burgh of Renfrew
Exactions of the latter
Abbot Shaw seeks to have Paisley made a Burgh
Leave granted by the Pope and by King James IV.
New Burgh not viewed with much favour by neighbouring towns
Incursion of Renfrew Men
They throw down the Cross of the New Burgh
Abbot brings them into Court, and is Victorious
Charter of the Liberty of the Burgh of Paisley, and Erection of the same
Charter of the Abbot.
Chapter XVI. - Monastic Economics - 159
Management of the Abbey Lands
The Rental Book of the Abbots
The Monks as Landlords
Condition of their Tenantry
Their Revenues, whence derived
The Teinds of their Churches
" Kirklands "
Tacksmen of the Teinds
The Granges of the Abbey
Two Classes of Tenantry
Steel bow
Rents in kind
Terra Dominice
Revenues of the Kirkland_Licence to Marry given by the Abbot
No cases of Eviction
Thomas Hector, the Sculptor
Game Reservation
Revenue from Annuals
The Abbey Mills
Rate of Multure
Mill Dues
The Angerem
Fishings possessed by the Monks
The Orchard and Kaleyard
Fuel
Rules and Regulations laid down by the Abbot for his Tenants.
Chapter XVII. - Abbot Robert - 1498-1525 - 174
John, Earl of Ross, becomes a Monk of Paisley
His Troubled History and Unsuccessful Rebellion
Dies in the Abbey, and is Buried in the Choir
Benefactions to the Abbey by the Citizens of the New Burgh
Erection of Altars within the Abbey Church
Erection of Chapel to St. Mirin and St. Columba
James Crawford of Kilwynet, the Founder
The Endowment and Patrons of the Chapel
Dispute between the Abbot and the Bishop of Glasgow
Litigation with Sir John Ross of Halkhead
The King Visits the Abbey on a Pilgrimage to Whithorn
Is Entertained by the Abbot
Lord Sempil's Harper
Another Royal Visit
Gifts by the King and Queen
Flodden
Abbot Robert becomes a Politician
Reference to him by Dr.Magnus, the English Ambassador
The Earls of Angus and Lennox threaten to keep Christmas at the Abbey
Letter to them by Dr. Magnus, Expostulating
TheInvasion averted
Abbot wishes to be made Bishop of Moray
The Queen applies in his behalf to the Pope
| Cardinal Wolsey supports his application successfully
Abbot Transferred to Moray
John Hamilton, son of the Earl of Arran, made Abbot of Paisley
Scandal of the Appointment
Chapter XVIII. - Abbot Hamilton - 1525-1547. - 186
The Youthful Abbot
Paisley a Place of Pilgrimage
Progress of the Reformed Doctrine
The Abbot leaves Scotland for France
Remains Abroad Three Years
His Homecoming watched with interest
Is expected to take part with the Reformers
Their Disappointment
The Abbot becomes the Champion of the Church
Sir Ralph Sadler's Notice of him
Receives high honour in Church and State
Made Bishop of Dunkeld
Often in Paisley at this period
Appoints the Master of Sempill Bailie of the Monastery
The Abbey Threatened by the Reformers
Immorality of the Abbot
Death of Cardinal Beaton
The Abbot made Archbishop of St. Andrews
Retains the Abbey along with his See.
Chapter XIX. - Dissolution of the Monastery - 1547-1571. - 194
The Archbishop
His Endeavours to Reform Abuses and Encourage Learning among the Clergy
Resigns the Abbey to Claud Hamilton, his Nephew
The Pope Sanctions the Appointment
Curious Transaction
The Archbishop still holds the Government
In Conflict with the Reformers
Their First Visit to the Abbey
The Reformation Triumphant
Penalties imposed on the Catholics
Attitude of the Archbishop
His Letter to John Knox
Has his Livings taken from him
Flies to Paisley for Refuge
Overthrow and Burning of the Monastery
People of Paisley Loyal to the Old Faith
Preachers of the New Doctrine meet with a poor reception at Paisley
The Archbishop says Mass at Paisley
Is brought before the Court of Session
The Charge against him
Escapes Punishment through the Influence of Queen Mary
Baptises her Son at Holyrood
Is the leading spirit in the Faction of the Hamiltons
At the Battle of Langside
The Property of the Abbey given to Lord Sempill
The Archbishop comes back to Paisley and takes Possession of the Monastery
It is Besieged and taken by Lord Lennox
The Archbishop Retreats to Dumbarton Castle, which was Captured by the Regent
Trial of the Archbishop at Stirling
The Evidence against him
Black John
The Archbishop Condemned and Executed
Lines affixed to the Gallows
His probable Burial at Paisley
Monument in the Church there.
Chapter XX. - Remains - 206
More of the Abbey left standing than was the case with other Scotch Monasteries
The Buildings remaining
Their Extent
The Western Doorway
The Windows
The Nave
Triforium and Clerestory
Corbels
The Cloister
Court
The Chapel of St. Mirin
Singular Sculptures, representing the History of the Saint
Burying place of the Family of Abercorn
The Sounding Aisle
The Transept and Choir
Probable Arrangement of the Monastic Buildings
The Burying Ground
Monuments in the Church
The Cathcart Pillar, and Tradition connected with it
Supposed Tomb of Marjory Bruce
John Morow, the Architect
Inscription in Melrose Abbey
Other Remains
The Seal of the Abbey
The Black Book of Paisley
The Rental Book
The Chartularies.
Chapter XXI. - The Commendator - 227
The Causes which led to the Reformation
Illustrated by the History of the Abbey
The Character of the Old Church of Scotland
Usurpation of Patronage by the Crown
Decay of Discipline
The Bribe offered to poor Proprietors
Scandalous Gifts of Church Property
Revenues of Paisley at the Dissolution
Number of Monks at that time living in the Abbey
Hardships they endured
A small portion of the Revenues go to Erect a Grammar School in Paisley
Claud Hamilton's Conduct after the Death of his Uncle
Is Forfeited
Attacks Lord Sempill, who had Paisley in commendam
The Treaty of Perth
Claud Hamilton put in Possession of Paisley
The Abbey Besieged by the Earl of Argyle
Lord Claud lives at Paisley
Marries Daughter of Lord Seton
Again Forfeited
Flies to England
Is again Restored to all his Ancestral Rights
Is made Lord Paisley, and his eldest son created Earl of Abercorn
Royal Visits to the Place of Paisley
Grand Reception of King James VI. by the Earl of Abercorn
Death of Lord Claud
The last link between us and the Monastery
Description of the Abbey in the days of its grandeur by the Bishop of Ross. .
Chapter XXII. - The New Order - 239
Paisley continues Hostile to Protestantism
Church doors steyked against Preachers
Remonstrance of the Kirk
The First Protestant Minister, Patrick Adamson
Unable to live at Paisley
Is Succeeded by Andrew Polwart
He gives up the place in despair
Stipends of the Ministers
The Reader
His Duties
Thomas Smeaton becomes Minister
His Character
Andrew Knox succeeds him
Severity of his Dealings with the Catholics
Old Lady Claud Hamilton is driven to despair, and Petitions the King
"Papistrie" put down with a strong hand
Efforts of the Minister supported by the Magistrates
He is appointed by the Presbytery to Watch the Proceedings of Roman Catholics within their bounds
Arrests George Ker, who is Negotiating with Philip of Spain
Falls himself into the grasp of the law
Is Suspended by the Presbytery
Reproved after a very curious ceremony
Is appointed Bishop of the Isles
Paisley" a very nest of Papists."
Chapter XXIII. - Discipline - 248
Meetings of Presbytery in the Abbey
Curious Scenes at this Conclave
Manner in which their Business was Conducted
" Taking the Sacrament " insisted on
Hard times for the Catholics
A Paisley Parishioner cited for Non attendance
Sentence of Excommunication
Excommunicated Persons
Craving to be Restored
Points of Romish Doctrine required to be abjured
Penance inflicted upon Immoral Persons
Punishment for Profanation of the Sabbath
Sunday Sports
Keeping a Green
Pipers
Observance of Christmas
Charming
Sale of Quack Medicines
The people under an iron rule
Government by Ecclesiastics.
Chapter XXIV.- The Abercorns and the Kirk - 262
Claud Hamilton Succeeded by his Grandson
Dame Marion Boyd, Countess of Abercorn, his Mother, manages the Youth's affairs during his Minority
A Zealous Adherent of the Old Faith
Boyd of Trochrigg invited to become Minister of Paisley
Inducted notwithstanding the Opposition of the Countess
Receives Violent Treatment from her and her son, the Master of Paisley
Mr. Boyd Resigns the Charge
The Presbytery take up the Case of Lady Abercorn as a "suspected Papist "
She and her Servants dealt with
The Earl of Abercorn declares himself a Catholic
Process in the Presbytery against the Earl, his Mother, and Household
They are Excommunicated
The Earl Flies the Country
The Countess is cast into Prison in Edinburgh
After a long imprisonment obtains leave to go to Paisley
Dies there of squalor carceris
Odious Ecclesiastical Persecution.
Chapter XXV. The Service Book - 282
Early Scotch Episcopacy
Its Ritual
Book of Common Order
Mr. John Crichton, Minister of Paisley
Introduction of a New Liturgy
Curious "Supplication" Adopted by the Council regarding the Service Book
Commotion throughout Scotland
Mr. Crichton introduces Innovations into his Church
Is Complained against to the Presbytery
The Singular Charges brought against him
His case is Referred to the Assembly at Glasgow
Fasting and Prayer Meeting of the Assembly
Deposition of Mr. Crichton
The Covenant Confirmed.
Chapter XXVI. - The Covenant - 296
Paisley under the Rule of the Covenant
Founding of the Second Charge
Mr. Calvert and Mr. Dunlop, Ministers
" A Holy Groan "
Character of Mr. Dunlop
The Earl of Abercorn looked after
Ordered to Transport himself out of the Kingdom
Sells the Paisley Estates to Lord Dundonald
Strict Rule of the Covenanting Ministers
The Guidwife of Ferguslie
Suspected as a Papist
Summoned
Admonished
Catechised
Dragged before the Presbytery
Is Ordered to Attend Church
Pleads ill Health
Threatened with Excommunication
Carried to Church in her Bed
Part taken by the Presbytery in the Troubles of the Time
Battle of Philiphaugh
Covenanting Intolerance
Cromwell in Scotland
Puritan Officers at Paisley
The Presbytery Invaded
First Exhibition of Paisley Radicalism
Dispute between the Town and the Dundonalds
King Charles II. Proclaimed at Paisley
Joy of the Ministers
Induction of Mr. Stirling
Induction Supper paid from the "Mortcloth Money."
Chapter XXVII. - The Curates - 310
Intolerant Spirit of both Covenanters and Episcopalians
Episcopal Government Established
Abbey Ministers Resign
The Curate of Paisley
Hardships experienced by the Ministers
Fate of Mr. Dunlop and, Mr. Stirling
A. Presbytery Established in Paisley by order of the Archbishop
Minutes of this Court
Character of the Curates
Their Discipline
Refractory Elders
Delinquents proceeded against
Enquiry after "rebels"
Conventicles
The Indulgence
The Curate of Paisley paid to Retire
Mr. Ramsay
His Method of Rebuke
Visit of Archbishop Leighton to Paisley
Holds a Conference with the Non-Conforming Ministers
Speech of the Archbishop
Reply of Mr. Baird, the Second Minister
Failure of the Conference
Stricter Measures against the Covenanters
The Ministers of the Abbey Deprived
Ritual of the Episcopalians
Two Men Executed at Paisley
Landing of King William
Rabbling of the Curates.
Chapter XXVIII. - Witchcraft - 325
Triumph of Presbytery
Difficulty in Filling Parishes
An Old Minister
Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Brown
Zeal of the former in Persecuting Witches
Indictment against a "Charmer"
Great "Manifestation of Satan's Power"
Sermon in the Abbey before Commissioners for Trying Witches
Diabolical Events at Kilmalcolm
Mr. Blackwell's Dealing with the Authorities
Deplorable Case of Christian Shaw
The Presbytery betake themselves to Fasting and Prayer
Three Confessants procured
Manifestoes by the Ministers
Utterances of Mr. Blackwell in the Abbey
Trial of the Witches
The Devil "a black grim man "
Seven Witches found Guilty
Waited on to the Fire by the Ministers
Mr. Blackwell goes to Aberdeen
Discipline of the Kirk Session
Extracts from their Minutes.
Chapter XXIX. - Concluding Notices - 336
State of the Buildings
They fall into Disrepair
Abbey Gardens Feued
Walls and Buildings Sold
Lord Dundonald Sells the Property to the Earl of Abercorn
Disgraceful State of the Church
Brawling
Heritors' purpose to take down the building, and Erect a "commodious Kirk "
Abbey saved from Demolition by Dr. Boog
Restored to a state of decency
Allowed again to fall into disrepair by the Heritors
Restoration of 1862
Energy of Rev. Mr. Wilson
Successful Appeal to the Public
Present State of the Abbey
Hopes for the Future
Finis.
APPENDICES.
A. Priors, Abbots, and Commendators of the Monastery of Saint James and Saint Mirin of Paisley, i-iv.
B. St. Mirinus - September 15, iv-vi.
C. Extract from Breviarum Aberdonense, vi-vii.
D. Notices in Connection with Paisley Abbey of Members of the Wallace Family, vii-viii.
E. Notes on a Commission Professing to have been issued to Absolve Robert , the Bruce, viii-xx.
F. State Papers referring to the Abbey and Abbots of Paisley, xx-xxxviii.
G. Bulls referring to the Abbey of Paisley, from the Vatican MSS. in British Museum, xxxviii-xlvii.
H. Notes on Replegiation as Exercised in Scotland, xlvii-xlix.
I. Notes referring to the Abbey from the Acts of Parliaments of Scotland, xlix-liii.
J. Immorality of Abbot Hamilton, liii-liv.
K. Assedation of Ye Kirks of Paslay and Loytwinzok to Mast Johne Steward for xix zeris, liv-lv.
L. Rental Book of The Abbey, lvi-clxxviii.
M. The Black Book of Paisley, clxxix-clxxxii.
N. Bull of Pope Julius III. Conferring the Abbey In Commendam on Lord Claud Hamilton. Dated 5th December, 1553, clxxxiii-clxxxv.
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