The Reformation in Europe. Some observations and comments. When and where the Reformation began in Europe is a conundrum that depends to some extent on the nature of the sects that sprung up. There is evidence of evangelical Christians from the earliest days. The simple faith based entirely on the Scriptures has been preserved for […]
The events in Perth and the rabbling as recorded in The Scotichronicon (Vol 1,p 305 – 8 ), Rev J.F.S. Gordon (1867) “John Knox had been proclaimed by the Queen Regent (Mary Tudor, wife of King James V and mother of Mary Queen of Scots) as a rebel and an outlaw, and his abettors had […]
Rev. James Sharp, Archbishop of St Andrews. His mausoleum. James Sharp has been the subject of much criticism and indeed venom, for his part in the persecution of the Covenanters. A more humane man doing his duty is painted by his supporters as evidenced in the memorial his brother erected. James King Hewison wrote in […]
John Erskine of Dun. John Erskine of Dun probably ranks only after John Knox in importance of those who made the Scottish Reformation happen. Certainly he and the Earl of Moray (the Good Regent) were most active in openly professing the Protestant evangel at a critical time, and was instrumental in getting John Knox to […]
Drumclog 1 June 1679 Drumclog was the only occasion when the Covenanters gained a military victory over the government forces. Modest though the victory was, it gave them great hope. The battle came about when the Covenanters were assembling near Loudon Hill in Ayrshire, for worship on the Sabbath. Nearby John Graham of Claverhouse was […]
Elizabeth I and the English Reformation. Mary Tudor died 17 November 1558 and Elizabeth, her half sister, succeeded to the throne – a protestant queen replacing a Catholic tyrant. But Elizabeth`s reign was not all sweetness and light for the re established Church of England. Elizabeth was aware of considerable difficulties including the risk of […]
The “Engagement” and Mauchline Moor – 12 June 1648 The skirmish at Mauchline Moor was an important event in the Covenanter story because it was a tangible and evident expression of the people against both support for the King and, curiously, opposition to the growing power of Oliver Cromwell. It was these Covenanters of the […]
Walter Mill or Mylne, 1558 Walter Mill was born about 1476 and brought up under the cloak of Romanism to become a priest at Lunan in Angus. He was accused by the Archbishop of St Andrews in 1538 of failing to administer the Mass. He avoided punishment by fleeing to Germany where he married and […]
An alternative report of Sharp`s assassination and the Proclamation for seizure of the murderers. Extracts from The Scotichronicron Vol 4. Rev J.F.S. Gordon DD (1867) [ For large type, click on the image to enlarge] The Proclamation for seizure of the murderers 20 September 1679 The Doctors` Medical Certificate of injuries sustained.
John Bunyan and “THE PILGRIMS PROGRESS” John Bunyan (28 November 1628- 31 August 1688) was an English writer and nonconformist (Baptist) minister. He was born at Harrowden, in the parish of Elstow, Bedfordshire, the son of a tinker. He followed that trade for a while then served with the Parliamentary Army in the Civil War […]
The Martyrs Monument, Greyfriars Kirk, Edinburgh. Within the Greyfriars Kirk yard stands the “Martyrs Memorial” which commemorates some 18,000 Covenanters who died for their faith . It also marks the area where the remains of some hundred Covenanters executed in the nearby Grassmarket are buried. As was the custom and practice most were beheaded and […]
European Reformers. Switzerland Ulrich Zwingli (1487-1531) It was Ulrich Zwingli who was mainly responsible for the introduction of a stern almost Puritan type of Protestant theology into Switzerland. Zwingli`s early work was later developed by Calvin, in much the same way as Philip Melancthon formulated Martin Luther`s ideas of a more elaborate and ceremonial form […]
John Middleton (1619-1674), Soldier, Covenanter, Royalist, Earl of Middleton, King`s Commissioner, and `outer` of Ministers. John Middleton, later Earl of Middleton, is remembered primarily for his role as King`s Commissioner in Scotland following the Restoration of Charles II in 1661. On the political front he was driven by the desire to establish the Kings absolute […]
The murders of David Riccio and Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley David Riccio was born about 1534 in Pancalieri in Piedmont, Italy. His first employment was with Archbishop of Turin and later he was a protege of the Marquis de Morette, the Ambassador of Savoy. In December 1561 the Ambassador brought Riccio to Scotland as a […]