Gavin Hamilton (bishop of Galloway) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Gavin Hamilton |
|
|---|---|
| Bishop of Galloway | |
| Church | Church of Scotland |
| Diocese | Galloway |
| In Office | 1605–1612 |
| Predecessor | Vacant Last preceded by George Gordon |
| Successor | William Couper |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 21 October 1610 by George Abbot |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1561 Scotland |
| Died | February 1612 |
| Previous post | Minister of Hamilton |
Gavin Hamilton (1561 – 1612) was an important Scottish church leader. He became the Bishop of Galloway. His father, John Hamilton, was from Lanarkshire. He fought for Mary, Queen of Scots and died in the battle of Langside in 1568.
Contents
Gavin Hamilton's Life
Early Years and Education
Gavin Hamilton was born around 1561 in Scotland. He studied at the University of St Andrews. He earned his degree there in 1584.
Becoming a Church Leader
Gavin became a minister in 1590. He first served in Hamilton. Later, he moved to the parish of Bothwell in 1594. In 1604, he returned to the main church in Hamilton.
The General Assembly gave him important jobs. These jobs were like those of a superintendent. After 1597, he joined a special group. This group talked with the king about church matters.
Supporting Bishops
Gavin Hamilton supported the king's plan. This plan was to bring back bishops to the church. In 1605, he received control of the bishopric of Galloway. He also gained control of the priory of Whithorn in 1605. Later, he got control of the abbeys of Dundrennan and Glenluce.
In 1606, he became the dean of the Chapel Royal. This happened when King James brought the job back. The General Assembly also made him a leader. He became the constant moderator of the presbytery of Kirkcudbright.
Consecration as Bishop
In 1609, Gavin went to London. He met with the king about the role of bishops. In 1610, the church agreed to bring back the power of bishops.
Gavin Hamilton, along with John Spottiswoode and Andrew Lamb, went to London. The king called them there. On October 21, 1610, they were consecrated. This ceremony made them bishops. It happened in London House. They were consecrated by several English bishops.
Later Life and Death
After returning to Scotland, Gavin helped consecrate other bishops. He died in February 1612. He was about 51 years old.
Historian Robert Keith called him "an excellent good man." He married Alison, who was the daughter of James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh. They had a son named John. He was the commendator of Soulseat. They also had a daughter. She married John Campbell, bishop of Argyll.
