James Fithie facts for kids

Trinity Hospital, Edinburgh

Trinity College Chapel and Hospital by D. O. Hill and R. Adamson

James Fithie was a religious leader, known as a chaplain, who worked at Trinity Hospital in Edinburgh, Scotland. He lived during a time when there were many disagreements about religion in Scotland. Because of his beliefs and actions, he was held as a prisoner on a famous island prison called the Bass Rock for about a year, between 1685 and 1686.

A Young Life and Early Work

James Fithie studied at the University of Edinburgh, where he earned his Master of Arts (MA) degree on July 9, 1656. This was a big achievement for someone in his time.

In 1671, the Town Council of Edinburgh chose him to be the chaplain at Trinity Hospital. A chaplain is like a minister or priest who provides spiritual care. Even though he had this official role, James Fithie also supported a group called the Presbyterians. They were a Protestant Christian group who believed in a different way of organizing the church than the official Church of Scotland at the time.

Standing Up for Beliefs

During the 1600s, the government in Scotland tried to control how people practiced their religion. Many Presbyterians held secret religious meetings, often in homes or out in the open fields. These were called conventicles. The government saw these meetings as a challenge to their authority.

James Fithie showed his support for the Presbyterians in different ways. Because of this, he was arrested around 1679 and held in a jail in Edinburgh called the Tolbooth. He was later set free in July 1679.

This old document from the Scottish Parliament in 1685 shows how strict the laws were. It says that people who preached or even listened at secret religious meetings (conventicles) could be punished very severely.

However, his troubles weren't over. In early 1685, he was arrested again. In April of that year, he was sent to the Bass Rock, a very famous and tough island prison in the sea. Because he was poor, he was given a small amount of money each day to help him survive while imprisoned. He was allowed to walk around on the rock, but he was still a prisoner.

Freedom and Later Life

After some time on the Bass Rock, James Fithie faced more hardship. His wife became very ill, and sadly, some of his children passed away. He asked the Council for his freedom.

In March 1686, the Council agreed to release him. They considered his own poor health and the sad situation of his family. After his release, he had to report back to the Council regularly to keep his freedom.

James Fithie later moved to Peebles, a town in Scotland, in November 1687. He passed away on December 25, 1689, when he was about 53 years old.

His Family

James Fithie was married to Elizabeth Reid. She lived longer than he did. They had children, including a daughter named Elizabeth. She later married John Elliot, who was a writer in Edinburgh.