John Balfour (bishop) facts for kids

John Balfour (died 1488) was an important Scottish church leader in the 1400s. He became the Bishop of Brechin on November 29, 1465. Before this, he was a church official in Linlithgow and Conveth. He was officially made a bishop on December 8 by other important church leaders.

John Balfour's Life

Becoming a Bishop

Even after becoming a bishop, John Balfour was allowed to keep his church role in Conveth. This was because he had been in that position for more than nine years before 1465. A day after becoming bishop, someone representing him paid a large sum of 500 gold coins to the Pope's office.

Working in Parliament

As the Bishop of Brechin, Balfour often attended the Scottish Parliament. This was a very important meeting where laws were made and big decisions for the country were discussed. His first recorded appearance in Parliament was on October 14, 1467.

The End of His Time as Bishop

After serving as bishop for 23 years, plans began for a new bishop to take over. This person was William Meldrum, who was a church official in Brechin. In June 1488, money was paid to help Meldrum become the new bishop. The plan was for Meldrum to become bishop after John Balfour either resigned or passed away.

William Meldrum was officially appointed on July 4, 1488. It is not completely clear if John Balfour resigned from his role or died while still in office. However, it is known for sure that he had passed away by July 28, 1488.