John Spottiswoode: Architect of Scottish Church and State
A scholarly examination of the life, influence, and legacy of a pivotal figure in 17th-century Scotland.
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Biographical Overview
Early Life and Education
Born in 1565 at Greenbank, Mid Calder, West Lothian, Scotland, John Spottiswoode was the eldest son of John Spottiswood, a minister and superintendent of Lothian. He received his higher education at the University of Glasgow, earning his Master of Arts degree in 1581. He succeeded his father as minister of Calder parish in 1583.
Service to the Crown
Spottiswoode's career advanced significantly through his association with the Stuart monarchy. In 1601, he served as chaplain to Ludowick, Duke of Lennox, during an embassy to France. Following James VI of Scotland's accession to the English throne in 1603 (the Union of the Crowns), Spottiswoode accompanied the royal court. He was later appointed almoner to Queen Anne of Denmark, receiving a stipend of ยฃ80 annually.
Rise within the Church
Initially a proponent of the Presbyterian party, Spottiswoode gradually shifted his stance, recognizing the benefits of episcopal governance and royal authority. He was nominated Archbishop of Glasgow in 1601, though his consecration did not occur until October 21, 1610, in London. He became a member of the Scottish Privy Council in 1605 and played a key role in the 1610 General Assembly, which abolished the supremacy of Presbyterianism.
Pivotal Roles and Influence
Archbishop of St Andrews
In 1615, Spottiswoode attained the highest ecclesiastical position in Scotland, becoming Archbishop of St Andrews and Primate of All Scotland. He was instrumental in procuring the King's approval for the controversial Five Articles of Perth in 1618, which aimed to align Scottish practices more closely with the Church of England, though their ratification by parliament was delayed until 1621.
Lord Chancellor of Scotland
His influence extended into the secular realm when, in 1635, he was appointed Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He held this significant office until 1638, presiding over the kingdom's highest judicial and administrative body during a period of increasing political and religious tension.
Historian of Scotland
Beyond his ecclesiastical and political careers, Spottiswoode was a notable historian. His most significant work, The History of the Church and State of Scotland, published posthumously in 1655, is recognized for its extensive research and sagacity. While presenting a favorable view of the author's actions, it remains a valuable, albeit biased, source for the period.
Historical Context and Events
Coronation of Charles I
A significant moment in Spottiswoode's tenure was his role in the coronation of Charles I at Holyrood Palace in 1633. This event underscored the Crown's efforts to assert its authority over the Scottish church, a policy Spottiswoode largely supported.
The Five Articles of Perth
Spottiswoode's efforts to implement the Five Articles of Perth represented a major attempt to impose liturgical and ceremonial changes on the Church of Scotland. These articles, concerning kneeling at communion, private communion, baptism, confirmation, and the observance of holy days, were deeply unpopular with many Presbyterians and contributed to later religious conflicts.
Opposition and Downfall
Despite his efforts to manage the introduction of a new liturgy, Spottiswoode ultimately could not prevent the widespread opposition. He witnessed the 1637 riot at St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, and recognized the growing strength of the National Covenant. His perceived loyalty to the Crown and attempts to enforce conformity led to his deposition by the General Assembly on December 4, 1639, shortly before his death.
Family and Descendants
Marriage and Children
John Spottiswoode married Rachel Lindsay, daughter of David Lindsay, Bishop of Ross. They had one daughter, Anne, and two sons: Sir John Spottiswoode of Dairsie and Sir Robert Spottiswoode.
Notable Descendants
His elder son, Sir John Spottiswoode, was knighted and served Charles I. His grandson, also named John Spottiswoode, remained a staunch loyalist and was executed in 1650 for his support of the Marquess of Montrose. His younger son, Sir Robert Spottiswoode, became Lord President of the Court of Session and was executed in 1646 after the Battle of Philiphaugh.
Historical Critiques
Thomas M'Crie's Assessment
The Secession historian Thomas M'Crie offered a strongly critical view of Spottiswoode. He described Spottiswoode's History as potentially misrepresenting the Church of Scotland and accused the Archbishop of engaging in "Jesuitical plots" against Presbytery. M'Crie argued that Spottiswoode's involvement and biases compromised the historical accuracy of his work regarding the Presbyterian cause.
Role in John Ogilvie's Execution
Monsignor Thomas Wynne highlighted Spottiswoode's role in the execution of the Catholic priest John Ogilvie in 1615. Wynne suggested that Spottiswoode, possibly seeking to prove his orthodoxy to the Reformed faith and loyalty to the King, used Ogilvie's capture and execution as a means to demonstrate his opposition to the Papacy. Ogilvie was canonized in 1976.
Related Ecclesiastical Figures
The following navigational boxes provide context on other figures associated with the Archbishopric of St Andrews and the Bishopric of Glasgow.
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Afterwards, see also: Episcopal Archbishops of St Andrews, Bishops of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane (etc.) & Roman Catholic Archbishops of St Andrews and Edinburgh (etc.)
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Further Information
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References
References
- Frederick Devon, Issues of the Exchequer (London, 1836), 7: John Spottiswoode, History of the Church of Scotland (London, 1668), 477.
- Anna Groundwater, The Middle Shires Divided: Tensions at the Heart of the Anglo-Scottish Union, in Sharon Adams & Julian Goodare (2014), Scotland in the Age of Two Revolutions, The Boydell Press, pp. 32รขยย33
- Thomas Wynne (2011), The Forgotten Cameron of the '45: The Life and Times of Alexander Cameron, S.J., Print Smith, Fort William, Scotland. Page 18.
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