BattlefieldsDeclaration of Scottish Church Independence 1192
Medieval

Declaration of Scottish Church Independence 1192

1192
Midlothian, Scotland
Also known as: Cum universi bull 1192 · Scottish church declared Daughter of Rome
Era
Medieval
Battle Type
Skirmish
Location
Midlothian, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Forces
Not recorded in historical accounts
VS
Victor
Scotland (church autonomy secured)
Outcome
Pope Celestine III declared Scottish church Daughter of Rome, subject to papacy alone, not York or Canterbury
The Battle

History & Significance

Pope Celestine III's bull Cum universi declared the Scottish church a 'Special Daughter of the Roman Church', directly subject to Rome and not to the English archbishoprics of York or Canterbury. This was a massive victory for Scottish ecclesiastical independence and was used as a precedent for centuries. It meant that Scottish bishops could not be forced to attend English councils or recognise English ecclesiastical supremacy. The declaration complemented Scottish political independence and was frequently invoked in the Wars of Independence.

Forces Involved

Ecclesiastical/diplomatic event; no military forces.

Questions & Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

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