Gilbert Gray (educator) facts for kids

Gilbert Gray was an important person in Scottish education during the late 1500s and early 1600s. He became the head, or "Principal," of Marischal College in Aberdeen when he was quite young.

Gilbert Gray's Early Life and Education

Gilbert Gray was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1576. His father, also named Gilbert Gray, was a "baillie" in Aberdeen. A baillie was like a local town official, helping to manage the city. Gilbert's uncle, Alexander Rutherford, was the "Provost" of Aberdeen, which is similar to a mayor.

Gilbert went to Edinburgh University and earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1592. He continued his studies at King's College, Aberdeen and also at Heidelberg University in Germany.

Becoming a College Principal

In 1598, when Gilbert Gray was only 22 years old, he was chosen to be the Principal of Marischal College, Aberdeen. This was a very important job, like being the head of a university. He took over from Robert Howie, who later became the Principal of St Andrews University.

Gilbert Gray greatly admired his former teacher, Robert Rollock. Rollock was the first Principal of the University of Edinburgh. In 1611, Gilbert Gray gave a special speech in Latin. In this speech, he praised many Scottish writers and thinkers.

Interestingly, Gilbert Gray believed some very old, legendary stories about early Scottish kings. For example, he thought that King Fergus the First wrote about law 300 years before Christ. He also believed King Josina wrote about plants and medicine. These stories are now known to be myths, but they were part of the history believed at the time.

Gilbert Gray passed away in December 1614. He was buried on December 29th.

Family Life

Gilbert Gray married a woman named Marjorie Menzies. They had two sons together, named Thomas and William. Both of his sons later became "burgesses" of the city. A burgess was a respected citizen with certain rights and privileges in the town.