Most Reverend Patrick Adamson, Archbishop of St. Andrew

Educated at Perth grammar school and the University of Edinburgh. Received his Master's degree in 1558 as Patricius Constyne. Appointed Minister of Fife by the General Assembly at Edinburgh in 1563. Went to France as tutor to the eldest son of James McGill. His Catholic foes taunted him with this rhyme:

"Twyse his surname he's mensuorne; To be called Constyne he shot scheme. He tsk up Constant to name Now Doctor Adamsone at last." Spent 6 months in jail in France for lauding the infant James as "Prince of England, Scotland, Ireland and France." Went to Genevea, studied Calvinist Theology with Theodore Beza. While in hiding, translated Job into Latin and wrote Latin tragedy about King Herod. Returned to Scotland in 1575 and ministered in Paisley. Was part of 3 deputy panel to discuss jurisdiction of King. Upon death of James Douglas, he was raised to the Archbishopric of St Andrew's. It was at this time that he changed his name to Patrick Adamson or Adamsone.

In 1561, he declared himself a militant Protestant and an Anglican. This was during the reign of Mary of Scotland.

Served as Chaplain to James Doublas, regent to Mary's son, James when he was an infant.

He sat as a member of Parliament and became leading counsellor in bringing strong measures against the Presbyterians. In 1585, he wrote 'A Declaration of the King's Majesty's Intentions' in the Acts of Parliament. This tract was reprinted by the Puritans in 1646.

He was a constant war with the leaders of the Presbyterians, especially Archbishop James Melville and his brother, Andrew. He is said to have been is disfavor with the people while being favor with King James VI. He preached a number powerful sermons to the him in 1583. James VI made him Scottish King's Ambassador to the English Court of Elizabeth.

There were a number of scurrilous accounts of his behavior while he was in London.

As archbishop of St Andrew's, he was ex-officio Chancellor of the University. He was required by the King to give public lessons which had to be attended by everyone.

In 1588, he found himself in trouble with the Assembly and the King deserted him. He was found guilty of charges (not named in my document) and could only get them lifted by appealing to Andrew Melville. There is a report of a recantation, but it has long been considered not genuine.

His children are named in the Fasti Ecclesiae Scoticanae (found in the library of Old College, Edinburgh University).

See the Wikipedia article "Patrick Adamson" (DNB00) for more detail. See also the Biographical Dictionary of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, Vol1, Issue 1.