Gamelin (bishop)

Gamelin's career began during the reign of Alexander II, when he became a Papal chaplain by 1245. He held the church of Kilbucho in Peeblesshire and was connected to important political families like the Comyns and Fitz Gilberts, who played major roles in Scottish politics. By April 1245, he had become a canon of Glasgow, and by the early 1250s, he succeeded Robert, Abbot of Dunfermline, as Chancellor of Scotland.^[1]

Gamelin, Bishop of St Andrews, had a brother named Master John, who is recorded as a witness to one of the bishop’s official acts.^[2] It is possible that this Master John was the same individual as John de Glasgu, Gamelin’s chaplain and potentially the earliest documented bearer of the Glasgow surname.^[3]

Gamelin was postulated to the bishopric of St Andrews in Lent 1255, and his election was confirmed by Pope Alexander IV on 1 July 1255, despite his apparent "defect of birth." He was consecrated by William de Bondington, Bishop of Glasgow, on 26 December 1255.^[4]

Gamelin’s political alliance with the Comyn family placed him at odds with the rival Durward faction, led by Alan Durward. In 1256, a year after the Durwards seized control, Gamelin was exiled from Scotland. He sought refuge at the papal court, where Pope Alexander IV issued an excommunication against those responsible for his expulsion.^[5]

In 1258, after the Comyns regained power, Gamelin returned to Scotland and resumed his duties as Bishop of St Andrews. His return was enabled by papal support, and he continued to support the Comyn faction in their political struggles. He remained Bishop of St Andrews until his death at Inchmurdo Palace, Fife, on 29 April 1271.^[6]