Beaton James

Beaton, James, Archbishop of Glasgow and St. Andrews, took his degree at the university of the latter in 1493. He received his first ecclesiastical appointment in 1493, thereafter rapidly rising until he became Archbishop of Glasgow in 1509, and of St. Andrews in 1522. He also held the offices of lord treasurer and chancellor, and during the minority of James V. was a leading figure in Scottish history. He was one of the regents, and strongly in favour of the French as against the English alliance. He held direct communication with France through his nephew, David Beaton (q.v.), who represented Scotland at the French court, and who favoured his uncle's policy. He sent the leaders of the Reformed doctrines to the stake, as his nephew did after him. He died in 1539.