The Grave of Catherine Rolland: A Legacy of Charity and Devotion

In the heart of Aberdeen’s historical landscape, nestled among the many gravestones that whisper tales of the past, lies the final resting place of Catherine Rolland, a woman whose legacy extends far beyond her earthly years. Passing away on Christmas Eve in 1659, Catherine’s story is one of lineage, devotion, and enduring generosity.

A Woman of Noble Descent and Influence

Born into the distinguished Rolland family, Catherine was the granddaughter of John Rolland, himself a descendant of the first Earls of Atholl through the female line. Her marriage to Dr. William Guild, the renowned Principal of King’s College in Aberdeen, solidified her position within Scotland’s intellectual and religious circles. Together, they were a formidable pair—deeply involved in the academic and civic life of Aberdeen.

A Lasting Gift to Education and Community

Catherine Rolland was not merely a woman of status but one of great vision and generosity. She played a pivotal role in the foundation of several bursaries at Marischal College, ensuring that future generations of students would have the means to pursue education. Her charitable nature did not stop there—after her husband’s passing, she made a mortification (a bequest) that secured financial support for any members of the Rolland family who found themselves in hardship. Her deed of mortification, recorded in the Aberdeen Town Book, stands as a testament to her enduring compassion.

Aunt and Benefactor

Catherine had no children of her own, but her influence continued through her extended family. In 1661, two years after her death, her nephew James Rolland, a merchant and Burgess of Aberdeen, was served as her heir. Through this act, her estate and charitable intentions remained within the family, ensuring that her support reached those who bore the Rolland name.

Her Final Resting Place

Though the precise location of Catherine Rolland’s grave remains uncertain, it is believed to be within the grounds of Aberdeen’s historic churches, likely St. Nicholas, where she married William Guild in 1611. If her grave could speak, it would tell of a woman who embraced both duty and generosity, ensuring that her influence would outlive her mortal years.

A Reflection on Legacy

Catherine Rolland’s life and death on Christmas Eve—traditionally a time of giving and reflection—resonate with the values she upheld. Her acts of benevolence and her commitment to education and community support make her a figure worth remembering. In a time when women’s contributions were often overshadowed, Catherine’s legacy still shines as a beacon of charity and foresight.

For those who walk the historic streets of Aberdeen, perhaps a moment’s pause at St. Nicholas or Marischal College can serve as a tribute to a woman whose name deserves to be remembered. After all, her gifts were not simply to her own time, but to generations to come.

sources and further reading:

https://de.findagrave.com/memorial/135233952/katherine-guild