John Hamilton (archbishop of St Andrews) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Hamilton |
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| Archbishop of St Andrews Primate of Scotland |
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| Church | Roman Catholic |
| Archdiocese | St Andrews |
| Appointed | 28 November 1547 |
| In Office | 1547–1571 |
| Predecessor | David Beaton |
| Successor | Gavin Hamilton |
| Orders | |
| Consecration | 22 August 1546 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 February 1512 |
| Died | 6 April 1571 (aged 59) Stirling, Scotland |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Parents | James Hamilton, 1st Earl of Arran & Mrs Boyd |
| Children | 6 |
| Previous post | Bishop of Dunkeld (1544-1546) |
John Hamilton (born February 3, 1512 – died April 6, 1571) was an important Scottish church leader and politician. He was the son of James Hamilton, the 1st Earl of Arran.
Contents
Rising to Power in Scotland
John Hamilton started his church career very young. He became a monk and the Abbot of Paisley. After studying in Paris, France, he came back to Scotland.
He quickly gained power and influence. This was thanks to his half-brother, the 2nd Earl of Arran. His brother was serving as the Regent, which meant he ruled Scotland while the queen was young.
In 1543, John Hamilton became the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. This was a very important job in the government. Two years later, he became the Bishop of Dunkeld. In 1546, he took over from Cardinal Beaton as the Archbishop of St Andrews. Around the same time, he also became the kingdom's treasurer.
Archbishop Hamilton's Health and Influence
In 1553, a doctor from Italy named Gerolamo Cardano helped Archbishop Hamilton. The Archbishop had been sick for ten years and couldn't speak. The doctor's assistant cured him, and the Archbishop paid a large sum of money for the treatment.
While the Archbishop was unwell, his brother was convinced to give up his role as Regent of Scotland. This power then went to Mary of Guise, the queen's mother.
Efforts to Support Catholicism
Archbishop Hamilton worked hard to slow down the spread of Protestantism in Scotland. He generally avoided harsh punishments. Instead, he tried to support the Roman Catholic religion in other ways. For example, a special book of religious teachings called Hamilton's Catechism was created and printed. This was likely done because he wanted it.
Life as a Supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots
In 1563, the Protestants became the main power in Scotland. They were not happy with Archbishop Hamilton, and he was put in prison.
After he was released, he became a strong supporter of Mary, Queen of Scots. He performed the baptism for her son, who would later become King James VI. He also announced the divorce of the queen from Bothwell. He was even present at the Battle of Langside, a key battle for Queen Mary.
The Death of Regent Moray
In 1550, John Hamilton and his brother James bought a house in Linlithgow. In 1570, a relative of John Hamilton, James Hamilton of Bothwellhaugh, shot and killed James Stuart, Earl of Moray. Moray was the Regent of Scotland at the time.
After this event, John Hamilton sought safety in Dumbarton Castle. However, the castle was captured in a surprise night attack. This attack was led by Thomas Crawford. Archbishop Hamilton was caught during this attack.
The leaders of the King's party were worried that the English might try to save the Archbishop. So, they quickly put Hamilton on trial. He was found guilty of being involved in the murders of Regent Moray and King Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. On April 6, 1571, just three days after his capture, he was hanged. This happened at 6 PM next to the Mercat Cross in Stirling.
Family Life
Archbishop Hamilton had six children with his partner, Grizzel Sempill. She was the daughter of Robert Sempill, 3rd Lord Sempill. Two of his children were officially recognized as legitimate in 1547 and 1548.
