Peter Kid facts for kids

This old document from 1685 shows a law from the Scottish Parliament. It says that people who preached or listened at illegal religious meetings (called conventicles) could be punished by death. This law was made to stop people from practicing their religion outside of the official church.

Peter Kid was an important Presbyterian minister who lived in the 1600s. He was known for his strong faith and for standing up for his beliefs. He might have been born in a place called Fife in Scotland.

Life as a Minister

Early Career and Challenges

Peter Kid finished his studies at St Andrews University in 1650. He became a minister in a town called Douglas in 1654. This was during a time when there were many disagreements about how the church should be run.

In 1662, a new law was passed. This law meant that Peter Kid, along with many other ministers, lost his job. This happened because they did not agree with the government's rules for the church.

Serving in Carluke

Later, in 1672, Peter Kid was allowed to preach again in Carluke. This was a special permission called an "indulgence." He shared this role with another minister, Alexander Livingstone.

However, Peter Kid continued to face problems with the government. He refused to celebrate the King's return to power each year. He also did not join in a special prayer day for the King's safety after a plot against him.

Because of this, he was called before a special council several times. In 1677, he was fined a large amount of money.

Imprisonment and Release

In 1684, his permission to preach was taken away. He was told to leave the country. But Peter Kid refused to promise that he would not preach without the government's permission.

Because of his refusal, he was sent to a famous prison called the Bass Rock. He was held there from May 1685 until September 1686.

After some time, Peter Kid became unwell. He asked to be set free. He promised to live quietly at home and not preach. The council agreed, and he was released.

People who knew him said Peter Kid was amazing at prayer. He would sometimes get so lost in prayer that he forgot to stop and preach!

He was living in Carluke in 1687. It is not clear if he went back to Douglas or if he lived past the "Revolution" (a big change in government). Some historians believe he died in 1694 and was buried in Carluke.

Family Life

Peter Kid was married to Susanna. She passed away in March 1697. They had four children together: John, Elizabeth, Anna, and Grizell.