John Kid facts for kids

John Kid was a Scottish preacher who lived a long time ago, in the 1600s. He was part of a group called the Covenanters. These were Scottish Presbyterians who wanted to keep their church independent from the king's control. Because of his beliefs and actions, the government considered him an "outlawed minister," meaning he was declared illegal.

Kid was captured by government forces led by John Graham, also known as Claverhouse, after a battle called Drumclog. Although he was briefly set free by other Covenanters, he was soon caught again near another battle site, Bothwell Bridge. He was taken to Edinburgh with another preacher, John King. Both men were questioned very strictly by the authorities. They were found guilty and sentenced to death. John Kid was executed on 14 August 1679, in Edinburgh. After his death, his head and limbs were displayed publicly at the Netherbow Port, a gate in Edinburgh, as a warning from the government.

Quick facts for kids John Kid
The Netherbow Port
Personal details
Birth name	John Kid or Kidd
Died	14 August 1679 market-cross Edinburgh
Denomination	Church of Scotland

Life as a Covenanter

John Kid was a Covenanter minister who was considered an outlaw by the government. He was taken prisoner along with John King after the Battle of Bothwell Bridge, which happened on 22 June 1679.

On 9 July 1679, Kid and King appeared before the government council. They argued that they were found among the Covenanter rebels, but they had not actually joined in their activities. They claimed they were held there by force and had refused to preach to the rebels. They also said they had tried to escape before the battle began.

Kid was questioned very strictly about how the rebellion started. His answers were not what the authorities wanted to hear. He was then charged, along with Mr. King, for being part of the rebellion and for preaching at "field conventicles." These were outdoor church services that were against the law at the time.

At their trial on 28 July, Kid and King stated that they were indeed preachers at these outdoor services. However, they insisted they were not disloyal rebels. They claimed they had advised the armed Covenanters to return to being loyal and peaceful Christians. Kid also said that James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth, had promised him safety. He explained that he carried a short sword only to hide the fact that he was a preacher, as preachers were often targeted by the government.

His Last Words

John Kid's final speech, which he gave just before his execution, was printed and shared.

Images for kids

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  The location of the Cross between 1617 and 1756.