Lawson, James

Biography

Church of Scotland minister. Born Perth 1538. Educated Perth Grammar School, then St Andrews Univ., in the same class as Andrew Melville. Tutor at Paris University by 1567. Returned to London 1569, went to Cambridge for further study. Appointed second master at St Mary's Coll., St Andrews Feb 1569. Subprincipal, King's Coll., July 1569, also minister of Old Machar in the same year. Successor to John Knox in the church of St Giles 1572. Supporter of efforts to found a college of arts in Edinburgh. Summoned before the Privy Council 1582 and 1583 for his persistent criticism of the duke of Lennox and Captain James Stewart, who headed King James' government. Condemned the "black acts" passed by parliament May 1584 and sought refuge in England. Made his way to London, visited Oxford and Cambridge, returned to London Aug 1584. Died London Oct 1584.

Biography Date

1538-1584

Biography References

Prov. Reg. Notes (DNB & refs there given); LOC; CERL; DNB; Fasti 39;

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