Robert Gillespie (preacher) facts for kids
Robert Gillespie was a brave preacher in Scotland during the 1600s. He was a Presbyterian minister, which means he followed a specific type of Christian faith. His father was George Gillespie, a very famous religious leader known as a Westminster Divine.
Robert was born on May 15, 1643. His mother, Margaret Murray, faced tough times after his father passed away. Parliament promised her money to help the family, but she never received it because of the difficult political situation back then.
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Early Preaching and Trouble
Robert Gillespie likely started preaching with permission from ministers who had been forced out of their churches. The government, however, called his permission "unlawful."
He was accused of leading large public religious meetings called "conventicles." He also prayed at smaller private gatherings. In 1672, he was called to appear before the Privy Council, a powerful government group. When he didn't show up, he was declared a rebel.
Despite this, Robert kept preaching. But in early 1673, he was caught. He was then sent to the Tolbooth, a prison in Edinburgh.
Imprisonment on Bass Rock
After being held in Edinburgh, Robert Gillespie was moved to a very tough prison. This prison was on the Bass Rock, a large island rock in the sea. He was sent there on April 2, 1673.
He was the very first person sent to Bass Rock for following Presbyterian beliefs. He was kept in a very strict cell, cut off from everyone. The harsh conditions and dampness of his cell made him very sick.
By the end of 1673, his health was failing. Robert asked the Privy Council to let him go. They agreed, and he was released on January 8, 1674. He went home to his mother's house.
Life After Prison
Even after his release, Robert Gillespie was still in danger. On June 4, 1674, the government offered rewards for his capture. They offered a large sum of money to anyone who could find him. They even said that if someone was hurt while trying to catch him, the person trying to catch him would not be punished.
On August 6, 1675, the government issued special orders against Robert and others. These orders made it illegal for anyone to help him. People were forbidden from giving him food, drink, or shelter. They couldn't even send him messages. If anyone helped him, they would be punished severely. All sheriffs and officials were told to arrest him if they found him.
Later Life and Family
The exact date of Robert Gillespie's death is not known. He eventually went to England. After he died, his wife and children were recommended for financial help from the King in 1695.
Some records say that Robert was forced to flee to Holland. He died there before the time of great religious persecution ended. It's important to know that he was hunted down even though he never fought against the government. His story shows that not all Covenanters were rebellious.
Interestingly, Robert's son, also named George, became a minister. He served in the parish of Strathmiglo in Fife after the political changes of the Revolution. He was also a friend of the well-known religious leader, Ebenezer Erskine.
