Cadder and environs, and the development of the Church in Glasgow in the twelfth century

Abstract

The present notes have been prompted by a recent book, but it is hoped that they will provide a context in which there emerges a broader, though far from exhaustive view of the Church in Glasgow in the twelfth century. The book in question has aroused attention by addressing once more the old problem of the missionary journey ascribed to St Ninian in the central belt of Scotland.1 In so doing, some bold conclusions have been presented, speculations that need closer scrutiny. These are not set out very fully in the book, but have been developed at some length in a previous article by the same writer, where further auxiliary points have been proposed there to reinforce the central arguments.2 These points affect the story of St Kentigern and also call for examination. The first of two main hypotheses is that the first pole of Ninian's suggested missionary enterprise south of the River Forth area was the kirkton of Stirling, namely St Ninian's (or Eccles as it appears in early documents), presumably a pre-twelfth-century dedication and as such significant for the author's purpose.3 The second pole at the other end of the belt of hills (the Kilsyth Hills and the Campsie Fells) is identified by the author as Cathures, which according to St Kentigern's biographer, Jocelin of Furness, was an old name for Glasgow. From there the author proceeds to annexe Jocelin's story concerning Kentigern with a body for burial (a certain Fregus or Fergus),4 and transfers it from a cemetery in Glasgow consecrated by Ninian to one linked to Ninian at Cadder. The author thus removes Kentigern from the Cathures reference, displacing him for Ninian.5 There is, however, more than one difficulty with all this. At the Stirling end, the commentary is amplified by reference to a deed of King Alexander I (1107-24).6 This is taken to indicate the dedication of the chapel of Stirling Castle, adding by way of comment that 'Alexander's choice of patron saint suggests therefore that Ninian