William Carstares facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Carstares
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William Carstares c. 1700
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| Born | 11 February 1649 |
| Died | 28 December 1715 (aged 66) |
| Occupation | Minister |
| Spouse(s) |
Elizabeth Kekewich
(m. 1682) |
William Carstares (born February 11, 1649, died December 28, 1715) was an important minister in the Church of Scotland. He was also very active in politics, especially with the group known as the Whigs. He became a trusted advisor to King William III.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Carstares was born in Cathcart, a town near Glasgow, Scotland. His father, Rev. John Carstares, was a Covenanter, a group that supported the Presbyterian Church in Scotland.
William studied at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Later, he continued his education at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands. While in the Netherlands, he met important people like Gaspar Fagel. Through Fagel, he was introduced to the Prince of Orange, who would later become King William III of England and Scotland. This meeting marked the beginning of Carstares's involvement in politics.
During a war between England and the Netherlands, Carstares secretly worked as an agent for the Prince of Orange. He traveled to England using the name "William Williams" to gather information. English officials suspected him, and he was arrested in September 1674.
Political Troubles and Imprisonment
After his arrest, Carstares was held in the Tower of London. In 1675, he was moved to Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. He was thought to be involved in writing a pamphlet that criticized the government.
In August 1679, Carstares was released from prison. This happened after a major event called the Battle of Bothwell Bridge.
After his release, Carstares traveled to Ireland. He then joined nonconformist groups in London. In 1681, he became a pastor for a church near Cheshunt in England. He became deeply involved with the Whig political group.
Carstares was linked to a plan to overthrow the government, known as the Rye House Plot. He was arrested again in July 1683. He was then sent back to Edinburgh.
In July 1684, Carstares was questioned by the Scottish government. He signed a statement, but he managed to keep secret his connections to supporters in the Netherlands. He was later moved to Stirling Castle.
Carstares was eventually freed and traveled to London. He then went to The Hague in the Netherlands. There, he became an important advisor to the Prince of Orange.
Advisor to King William III
When the Prince of Orange became King William III, Carstares continued to be his trusted advisor. He sailed with the Prince to England during the Williamite Revolution. He became the royal chaplain for Scotland.
Carstares was the king's secret advisor, especially on matters concerning Scotland. He strongly believed that the Presbyterian polity (the way the Church of Scotland was organized) should be kept. His advice proved to be very important during this time. Because of his great influence on the Church of Scotland, people sometimes called him "Cardinal Carstares."
Later Life and Influence
When Queen Anne became queen, Carstares remained the Royal Chaplain in Scotland. He lived in Edinburgh and was also chosen as the Principal of the University of Edinburgh in 1703. He made many improvements to the university, including bringing in a new teaching system from the Netherlands.
He was chosen four times to be the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. This is a very important leadership role in the Scottish church. He served in this role in 1705, 1708, 1711, and 1715.
Carstares played a key role in supporting the Union between Scotland and England. He advised important English leaders on this matter. During Queen Anne's reign, his main goal was to protect the Church of Scotland from changes that might weaken it.
When George I became king, Carstares was part of a group chosen to welcome the new king on behalf of the Church of Scotland. He was well-received and was again appointed royal chaplain. A few months later, he suffered a stroke and died on December 28, 1715.
He is buried in Greyfriars Kirkyard in Edinburgh. His grave is among the large monuments near the outer walls of the old churchyard.
Family Life
On June 6, 1682, William Carstares married Elizabeth Kekewich. She was from Cornwall, England, and she died in 1724. They did not have any children.
He was the uncle by marriage to William Dunlop (1692–1720), who became a church historian.
See also
Images for kids
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The Carstares grave in Greyfriars Kirkyard
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A closer look at William Carstares's grave
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A plaque honoring William Carstares in St Giles Cathedral
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A detail from William Carstares's grave showing a burial shroud
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