Mackenzie, Sir George

Biography

Of Rosenhaugh. Lawyer and politician. Born Dundee 1636 or 8. Entered King's College, Aberdeen 1650, then moved to St Leonard's College, St Andrews, graduated 1653. May have been at a Dutch university 1653-6. Studied law at Bourges 1656-8. Admitted Faculty of Advocates 1659, readmitted 1661. Published Aretina, a novel, 1660. Justice-depute 1661-3, resigned due to witchcraft trials. Published Religio Stoici 1661. Advocate for Dundee 1665. Knighted 1666. Elected to parliament for Ross-shire 1669-73. Debarred from practice 1674, after advocates' strike, readmitted 1675. Understudy to the Lord Advocate, 1676, succeeded as Lord Advocate 1677. Dean of the Faculty of Advocates 1682. Demitted from office 1686, after failing to support James II's plans, but reinstated 1688. Left Scotland 1689, due to assassination plots against him. Went to London 1690, settled in Oxford. Died Westminster, 1691. Known as Bloody Mackenzie for his vigorous prosecution of Protestant covenanters. Published many legal works, his Institutions being the main textbook for teaching Scots law for many years, also works on political theory.

Biography Date

1636/8-91

Biography References

LOC; CERL; DNB;

Book List