Peter Blackburn (bishop) facts for kids

Peter Blackburn (died 1616) was an important Scottish scholar and a leader in the church, known as a prelate. He became the second Protestant Bishop of Aberdeen.

Peter Blackburn's Early Life and Education

Peter Blackburn was born in the eastern part of Scotland. He went to St Andrews University to study.

A Scholar and Teacher

In 1572, Peter Blackburn became a "regent" at the University of Glasgow. A regent was like a lecturer or professor who taught philosophy. He continued teaching there until 1582. During this time, he was also promoted to teach Physics and Astronomy.

Becoming a Church Leader

In 1582, Peter Blackburn became a minister at West Kirk in Aberdeen. A minister is a leader in a Christian church. Later, in 1596, he moved to serve at the East Kirk in Aberdeen.

Serving as a Minister

From 1597 to 1598, he held a very important position: Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This meant he was the main leader of the Church of Scotland for that year. In 1600, he also became the Chancellor of King's College, Aberdeen, which is a high-ranking job at a university.

The Bishop of Aberdeen

On September 2, 1600, King James VI of Scotland chose Peter Blackburn to be the Bishop of Aberdeen. A bishop is a senior church leader who oversees many churches in a specific area. This appointment also gave him a seat in the Parliament of Scotland, which was the country's law-making body. It was a big deal because no new bishops had been appointed in Scotland for 15 years!

Peter Blackburn was not officially made a bishop until 1611. This ceremony took place at Brechin Cathedral. He passed away after a long illness on June 14, 1616, at his home in Guestrow, Aberdeen. He is buried in the Kirk of St Nicholas in central Aberdeen.

Peter Blackburn's Family

Peter Blackburn married Isobel Johnston. Her father was George Johnston, and her mother was Christian Forbes. Christian Forbes was also the sister of the famous poet, Arthur Johnston.

Peter and Isobel had several children:

• Peter Blackburn of Dyce, who was their oldest son and heir.
• William Blackburn of Endowie.
• Janet Blackburn, who married Reverend Alexander Rait of Kintore.
• Archibald Blackburn, who also became a minister in Aberdeen.
• Margaret Blackburn, who married Andrew Adie, the Principal of Marischal College.
• Christian Blackburn, who married Abraham Sibbald of Old Deer.
• Elspet.
• Isobel.