Robert Abercromby (Jesuit) facts for kids

Robert Abercromby was a Scottish Jesuit missionary who lived from 1536 to 1613. He was also known by other names like Robert Sandiesoun. A Jesuit is a member of a Catholic religious order, and missionaries travel to spread their faith.

Early Life and Studies

Robert Abercromby was born and grew up in Scotland. He later studied in Rome at a famous college called the Collegium Romanum. In 1563, he joined the Jesuits, a special group within the Catholic Church.

From 1564, he lived in a town called Braunsberg (now Braniewo in Poland). There, he taught grammar at a large Jesuit school. He was also a "novice master," which meant he trained new members joining the Jesuit order.

In 1565, Robert became a Catholic priest. He found it hard to learn the Polish language and faced some challenges with the school's money. Because of these difficulties, he was allowed to leave Poland in 1580. During this time, he met the Scottish king for the first time.

In September 1580, he returned to Poland. From 1580 to 1587, he worked in other Polish cities like Kraków, Poznań, and Wilno (now Vilnius). He continued to help young Scottish Catholics travel to Poland for their education and training in religious schools.

Meeting Queen Anne

In 1587, Robert Abercromby left Poland and went back to Scotland. He later claimed that he had helped Anne of Denmark, who was the queen of King James VI of Scotland, to become a Catholic.

King James apparently allowed Abercromby to meet Queen Anne at Holyroodhouse around 1599. However, Queen Anne did not show any public signs that she had changed her religion.

Later Years

Robert Abercromby stayed in Scotland for some time. But because of his religious work, a large reward of 10,000 crowns was offered for his capture. From 1601 to 1606, he was protected by a powerful Scottish noble named George Gordon, the 1st Marquess of Huntly.

In 1606, Abercromby returned to Braunsberg in Poland. He died there on April 27, 1613.