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Walter Bower ( c. 1385 – 24 December 1449) was a Scottish canon regular and abbot of Inchcolm Abbey in the Firth of Forth, who is noted as a chronicler of his era. He was born about 1385 at Haddington, East Lothian, in the Kingdom of Scotland.
In 1991, Donald Watt said of Bower’s Scotichronicon that “We are more and more convinced that this book is one of the national treasures of Scotland, which should be studied in depth for many different kinds of enquiry into Scotland’s past.
Some sources say that, at the age of eighteen, Bower assumed the religious habit; he was trained at the University of St Andrews. After finishing his philosophical and theological studies, he visited Paris to study law.
Bower was unanimously the abbot of the Augustinian community on Inchcolm in 1417.
He also acted as one of the commissioners for the collection of the ransom of King James I of Scotland in 1423 and 1424. Later, in 1433, he took part in a diplomatic mission to Paris to discuss the possibility of marriage of the king’s daughter to the Dauphin of France. He played an important part at the Council of Perth of 1432 in the defence of Scottish rights
Canon Regular
As a canon regular, Bower belonged to a community of clergy living under the rule of St. Augustine. These communities were dedicated to both religious life and scholarly pursuits, which in Bower’s case included the writing of history.
Abbot of Inchcolm
Bower served as the Abbot of Inchcolm Abbey, located on Inchcolm Island in the Firth of Forth. His role as abbot not only involved religious duties but also positioned him as a significant figure in the ecclesiastical and cultural life of Scotland.
“Scotichronicon”
Walter Bower is best known for his work on the “Scotichronicon,” an extensive history of Scotland. The “Scotichronicon” was originally begun by John of Fordun, another Scottish chronicler, and Bower continued and expanded it. This work is one of the most important sources for the history of medieval Scotland, covering a wide range of topics, including the history, culture, and church of Scotland.
Historical Methodology
Bower’s approach to historical writing was typical of the medieval period. The “Scotichronicon” combines historical facts with legends and folklore, providing a rich tapestry of Scottish history as it was understood in the 15th century.
Influence and Legacy
The “Scotichronicon” has been an invaluable resource for historians studying medieval Scotland. Bower’s compilation of historical events, figures, and cultural aspects of Scotland has provided insights into the medieval period that would have otherwise been lost.
Contextual Importance
Bower’s work must be understood within the context of 15th-century Scotland, a period marked by political turmoil and significant developments in Scottish identity and nationhood. The “Scotichronicon” reflects these dynamics, making it an essential document for understanding Scottish history and identity.
Walter Bower’s role as a canon regular and historian places him among the key figures in the preservation and documentation of Scottish history. His work, particularly the “Scotichronicon,” continues to be a fundamental source for understanding medieval Scotland.