Document 2/131/3 (Haddan and Stubbs, Councils, ii, I, 233-4)
- Description
- Pope Alexander III writes to the archdeacon, prior and all the clergy of the church of St Andrews, informing them that the requests (unspecified) about St Andrews, made on behalf of King Malcolm of the Scots by the bishop of Moray and Master Nicholas, would have been made if possible. The pope, desiring to please the king in a helpful way towards the reformation of that church and for the honour of his kingdom, has corrected those petitions. St Andrews is at present a vacant see, hence the requests could not be fulfilled. Although the bishop of Moray did not seek it, after consultation with his brethren, Alexander made him a legate for the kingdom ruled by King Malcolm. If he is acceptable to the church of St Andrews and to the king, he should be transferred to St Andrews. Although translations of this sort ought not to be done without the consultation and assent of the Roman pontiff, it is unnecessary for that bishop to return to the apostolic see for his confirmation. He should henceforth freely hold both the legation and the Episcopal office. After that transfer, Alexander promises to establish the customs and rights of the see. If the bishop of Moray is not selected for St Andrews, another suitable person should be chosen. If the church cares to present that man to the pope, he will be treated fairly and honoured as is deemed appropriate. Henceforth, the legation of the bishop of Moray having ceased, the new bishop (of St Andrews), having been confirmed and consecrated, will become legate for the kingdom.
- Firm date
- 27 November 1159
- Dating Notes
- 5 kal. Dec. (MS gives 1160?)
- Place date (modern)
- Anagni
- Place date (document)
- Anagnie
- Related Place
- Anagni
- Source for Data Entry
- Haddan and Stubbs, Councils, ii, I, 233-4
- Trad. ID
- Haddan and Stubbs, Councils, ii, I, 233-4
- Calendar number
- 2/131/3
- Charter type
- Papal letter
- Language
- Latin
- Original (contemporary)
- yes
- Notes
- NLS, Adv. MS 15.1.19, no. 2