Patrick Paniter facts for kids

Patrick Paniter (born around 1470 - died 1519) was an important Scottish church leader and the main secretary for James IV of Scotland and his young son, James V. His last name is often spelled Paniter, Painter, or sometimes Panter.

Patrick Paniter's Life Story

Early Life and Education

Patrick Paniter was born around 1470 in a village called Newmanswells, near Montrose. He went to school in Paris, France, to get his education.

When he came back to Scotland, he became a church leader even though he wasn't a priest yet. He was the Rector of Fetteresso and the Vicar of Kilmany.

Working for the King

King James IV first chose Paniter to be the teacher for his son, Alexander Stewart. Soon after, Paniter became the King's most important secretary. Alexander later traveled to Italy with a famous scholar named Erasmus. After that, Paniter became the tutor for the King's brother, the Earl of Moray.

As a reward for his hard work, Paniter received many church titles. He became the Archdeacon and Chancellor of Dunkeld, and then the Deacon of Moray in 1509. He traded some of these positions to become the Rector of Tannadice in Angus in 1510. In 1513, he became the Abbot of Cambuskenneth. Paniter also hoped to become the Preceptor of Torphichen. Even King Henry VIII of England wrote to Pope Leo X to support him, but it didn't happen. Paniter was allowed by the Pope to hold these church jobs even though he wasn't a priest, because his work as the King's secretary was so important.

Key Roles and Later Years

In 1510, Paniter was made the Customar General of Scotland, which meant he was in charge of collecting taxes on goods. In 1511, King James IV wrote to the Pope, saying that only letters for Scotland with Paniter's signature could be trusted. This shows how much the King relied on him.

In 1513, Paniter even put on armor and went to the Battle of Flodden. He was in charge of the army's cannons and even helped fire them!

In May 1515, the Duke of Albany thought Paniter supported the Douglas family, so Paniter was put in prison on the Isle of Inchgarvie. However, Paniter soon gained the Duke's trust. In July 1517, he was part of a group sent on a diplomatic trip to Paris. Paniter became sick and stayed in Paris, where he passed away two years later.

Family and Legacy

David Panter, who later became a secretary to Mary, Queen of Scots, was Patrick Paniter's son. David's mother was Margaret Crichton.

Patrick Paniter also helped rebuild the Hospital of St. Mary in Montrose and was its leader. Carved wooden panels that show his family's symbols were found in Montrose in the 1800s. These panels were originally from the Hospital. Today, you can see them at the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh. They are very important examples of Scottish woodwork from that time.

Patrick Paniter's Nephew

Patrick Paniter had a nephew named William Lamb. William took his uncle's last name. He later wrote a book called Ane Resonyng, which was a propaganda piece about the war known as the Rough Wooing.