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Privy Council of Scotland facts for kids

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The Privy Council of Scotland was an important group that advised the King or Queen of Scotland. It existed from around 1490 until 1708. This council helped the monarch run the country. Sometimes, it was even more important than the Scottish Parliament.

The council's records show many details about Scotland's politics, economy, and daily life. They oversaw laws and managed trade. They also handled emergencies like the plague. The council gave out travel permits and dealt with various groups. These included witches, people who refused to follow the official church, and Covenanters. They also worked to stop lawlessness in the Highlands and Borders.

History of the Privy Council

Like the Parliament, the Privy Council grew out of the King's Council. The King's Council was the monarch's court. It included royal officers and trusted advisors. This council existed in the 1200s or even earlier. However, not many records of its early work survive.

Early Functions and Records

By the late 1400s, the council had several jobs. It advised the king, carried out his orders, and acted as a court. Most of the surviving records from this time are about its court cases. The "secret" or privy council officially appeared in February 1490. Parliament chose bishops, barons, and royal officers to form this council. Their goal was to "show and carry out the King's authority in giving justice."

Changes Over Time

These "Lords of Secret Council" were part of a larger group. This group was called the Lords of Council. In 1532, much of the council's court work moved. It went to the new College of Justice. This later became known as the Court of Session. The council met regularly. It was especially busy when the monarch was too young to rule. A separate record book for the privy council began in 1545. This probably marks when the secret council became its own distinct group.

Royal Control and Disruptions

After 1603, King James VI of Scotland also became King of England. He famously said he governed Scotland "with my pen." This meant he sent written orders to the council. The council then carried out his wishes. His grandsons, Charles II and James VII, continued this style of rule.

However, this system was interrupted. It happened during the reign of Charles I. The Covenanters, a Scottish religious and political movement, challenged the king. Then, Cromwell's forces occupied Scotland. During these times, the council's records have gaps. The council was largely replaced by the Covenanters' own government. During Cromwell's rule, the council stopped working completely.

Restoration and Abolition

After the monarchy was restored in 1660, Charles II chose his own privy councillors. He also set up a council in London. This London council directed affairs in Edinburgh. This situation continued after the Glorious Revolution of 1688–89.

The Privy Council of Scotland continued for one year after the Act of Union in 1707. It was officially ended on May 1, 1708. This was done by the Parliament of Great Britain. After that, there was only one Privy Council of Great Britain. It met in London.

Until 1707, the Privy Council met in what is now the West Drawing Room. This room is located at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. In the 1600s, it was called the Council Chamber.

Lord President of the Privy Council

The President of the Privy Council was a very important official in Scotland. This person was one of the Great Officers of State. The Lord Chancellor usually led the Council. But in 1610, King James VI decided something new. He said that the President of the College of Justice should lead if the Chancellor was away. By 1619, this person also gained the title of President of the Privy Council.

In 1626, Charles I reorganized the council. He separated the two presidencies. The Lord President of the council was given high importance in 1661. This person was considered one of the King's chief officers. However, they only appeared in the Estates of Parliament sometimes.

List of Lord Presidents

The office was abolished in 1708.

See also

  • Privy Council
  • Category:Members of the Privy Council of Scotland
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