Elphinstone William

Elphinstone, William (1431-1514), a Scottish bishop and statesman, born at Glasgow, and educated at the grammar school there and at the University, where he graduated M.A. about 1451. After taking orders, and officiating in Glasgow for four years, he went to Parie to study canon and civil law, and worked for six years there as a professor. Returning to Scotland he became Rector of Glasgow University, and in 1478 a member of the Privy Council. King James III. made him Bishop of Ross for the ability he displayed in bringing about a good understanding between the Scottish court and Louis XI. of France. Later he became Bishop of Aberdeen, and Lord Chancellor. In 1488 he was sent to negotiate a marriage between James IV. and the Emperor Maximilian's daughter. From 1492 he was Lord Privy Seal, and the king put great trust in him. He is thought to have obtained the papal bull for the foundation of Aberdeen University, and was the principal founder of King's College, as he left a sum for its erection and endowment, and the maintenance of a bridge over the Dee. He wrote a History of Scotland, now among the MSS. of the Bodleian, and the lives of some Scottish saints.