Medieval Church Councils in Scotland

Uniquely in the kingdoms of western Christendom, the Scottish bishops obtained authority, in 1225, to hold inter-diocesan meetings without a supervisory archbishop, and continued to meet in this way for nearly 250 years. Donald Watt provides an authoritative study of these church councils from the Latin and English records based on original sources.In addition to creating an original work of considerable historical interest, Professor Watt brings discussion of the councils and their significance into the broader context of Scotland's political, legal, ecclesiastical and social situation over a long period.An important contribution to Scottish church history and to its influence on contemporary affairs.

Donald E. R. Watt is Emeritus Professor of Scottish Church History at the University of St Andrews.

Early evidence of church councils in Scotland to c. 1100 Legatine councils 1125-1192 Interim arrangements 1192-1225 Establishment of the Scottish provincial council 1225-1239 Diocesan and provincial statutes of the mid-thirteenth century Membership and organisation of the provincial council Developments 1239-1296 The reign of King Robert I 1306-1329 Provincial councils and the Three Estates 1329-1424 Last years of the traditional arrangements 1424-1472 Epilogue