William Elphinstone facts for kids
William Elphinstone (born 1431 – died 1514) was an important Scottish leader. He was a Bishop of Aberdeen and started the University of Aberdeen. He helped shape Scotland's future in many ways.
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Early Life and Education
William Elphinstone was born in Glasgow, Scotland. His father, also named William, was a teacher at the University of Glasgow. Young William went to the High School of Glasgow. Then he studied at the University of Glasgow, finishing in 1452.
After university, William worked as a lawyer for a short time. He then became a priest in 1465. He was in charge of St. Michael's Church in Glasgow.
Studying Abroad
In 1469, William went to France to study more. He studied at the University of Paris. There, he taught church law. Later, he moved to Orléans and taught at the university there too.
A Leader for Scotland
William Elphinstone came back to Scotland before 1474. He became a leader at the University of Glasgow. Soon, he was given bigger jobs.
Becoming a Bishop
In 1481, William became the Bishop of Ross. This was a very important position in the church. He was also a member of the Scottish Parliament.
He helped James III of Scotland with important talks. He traveled to France to meet King Louis XI of France. He also went to England to meet King Edward IV of England.
In 1483, William was chosen to be the Bishop of Aberdeen. He continued to go on important trips to England.
Working for the King
In 1488, William became the Lord High Chancellor. This was a very high government job. But when King James III died, William left this role. He went back to Aberdeen.
The new king, James IV of Scotland, still needed William's skills. William traveled to England, France, and Germany. He met with kings and leaders to help Scotland.
In 1492, he became the Keeper of the Privy Seal of Scotland. This job involved keeping important royal documents safe. He also helped settle a disagreement between Scotland and the Dutch.
Founding the University of Aberdeen
William Elphinstone spent his later years building something special. He wanted to create a new university in Aberdeen.
A New Place to Learn
He got permission from the Pope in 1494. Then, the king gave his official approval in 1498. This made Aberdeen the home of a new university. The king also gave some money to help start it.
The university was like the one in Paris. It was mainly for studying law. It quickly became very popular in Scotland. This was thanks to William and his friend, Hector Boece. Hector was the first leader of the university.
The main building, now called King's College, was finished in 1506.
Other Achievements
William Elphinstone did more than just start a university. He also helped build parts of St Machar's Cathedral. He paid for the first stone bridge over the River Dee.
He stayed involved in public life. He did not agree with fighting England. This fighting led to the Battle of Flodden in 1513. William Elphinstone died in Edinburgh in 1514.
William also helped bring printing to Scotland. He helped create a special prayer book called the Breviarium Aberdonense. He may have written parts of it himself. He also collected information about Scotland's history.
Images for kids
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William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen
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Monument to Bishop Elphinstone, King's College Aberdeen
