Baron of the Bachuil
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Barony of the Bachuil | |
|---|---|
 Arms of Livingstone, Barons of the Bachuil: Quarterly, First Or, a lion rampant Gules, Second and Third Argent, a dexter hand couped at the wrist Gules, holding a cross crosslet fitchée Azure, Fourth Or, in chief a salmon naiant Proper, in base three bars wavy Azure | |
| Creation date | 9th century |
| Creation | Baronage of Scotland |
| Present holder | The Much Hon. Niall Livingstone of Bachuil, Baron of Bachuil 'By The Grace of God', Coarb of St Moluag, Abbot of Lismore, Head of Clan Livingstone[1] |
| Heir presumptive | Catriona, The Maid of Bachuil |
| Seat | Bachuil House |
| Styles of The Baron of Bachuil | |
|---|---|
| |
| Reference style | The Baron |
| Spoken style | Baron |
Baron of the Bachuil is a title of nobility in the Baronage of Scotland. It is regarded as the oldest aristocratic title in the country and ecclesiastical (church) office, predating even the Archbishop of Canterbury, with origins tracing back to Saint Moluag, a Celtic saint who established 120 monasteries.[2]
The Lord Lyon views him as a "sovereign lord" as his title dates back before the formation of the Kingdom of Scotland, therefore being the only person whose passport title includes the inscription “by the Grace of God,” a phrase that is so ancient it is typically associated only with the monarchy. While the King does not require a passport, this makes the Baron of Bachuil the sole individual in the country with such a title in official documentation.[2]
The Baron of the Bachuil, has not depended on land ownership for centuries; the barony passes along with the possession of a certain ancient stick, "The Bachuil Mór", which was once the bishop's staff of Saint Moluag in the year 562. Unlike all other barons in Scotland, the lawful possessor of the stick is the Baron of the Bachuil, regardless of landholdings. [citation needed]
Isle of Lismore is a small island located in the Firth of Lorn, off the west coast of Scotland. It lies within the district of Lorne and the historic sheriffdom of Argyll, opposite the town of Oban. The island is approximately 10 miles long and 1 mile wide on average. Geologically, Lismore is characterised by a limestone formation, with some whin and trap dykes traversing the island. An ancient sea-margin surrounds much of the island, extending up to 100 yards wide in places.
In the early medieval period, Saint Moluag is said to have founded a monastery on Lismore.[3] When the medieval Diocese of Argyll was established, Lismore was selected as the seat of the new bishopric, and a cathedral on the island was chosen as the seat.[4]
The Livingstones of Bachuil were appointed as hereditary custodians of the bishop's pastoral staff (bachuill), granting them the title of "Baron of the Bachuil".[5] This family played a prominent role in the island's history for centuries. In the 16th century, Sir Donald Campbell of Airds falsely accused the Livingstones of stealing a sheep and seized their lands south of Fuaran Frangaig.[6]
On his deathbed, Sir Donald is said to have repeatedly called for the Baron of the Bachuil, but his wife prevented the Baron from coming to him.[5] The Livingstones also had a long-standing association with the Stewarts of Appin. They risked their lives to recover the body of their friend, a Stewart of Appin, after he was killed by the Macleans of Duart.[7]
The famous explorer and missionary Dr David Livingstone was a descendant of the Livingstones of Bachuil on Lismore.[5] The gravestone of the Barons of the Bachuil can still be seen in the old burial ground of Lismore Cathedral, next to the site of the original medieval church. The earliest known charter granting lands and custody of the bishop's staff to the Barons of the Bachuil dates to 1544, though it refers to an even earlier charter establishing their position.[8]