David Beaton
David Beaton - A Famous Scottish Prelate, Cardinal and Statesman
David Beaton (c. 1494 - 1546) After studying at the universities of St. Andrews, Glasgow and Paris, David Beaton became Abbot of Arbroath in 1524. He was appointed to the French bishopric of Mirepoix in 1537 and the following year was made a cardinal. In 1539 David Beaton succeeded his uncle as Archbishop of St. Andrews. He had already negotiated the betrothal of James V of Scotland to two successive Frenchwomen, first to Madeleine daughter of Francis I, and then to Mary of Lorraine. After the death of James V in 1542 he finally persuaded the Regent, the Earl of Arran, to pursue a pro-Catholic policy which involved repudiating the treaty of friendship with Henry VIII of England. As Chancellor of Scotland and the dominant force of the regency council during Mary Stuart's minority, he was notable for his anti-protestant activities. These included the trial and burning of George Wishart in 1546. This led to his own murder in his bedroom in the castle at St. Andrews by the friends and supporters of Wishart on May 29th 1546. He was the last great Catholic prelate of Scotland.
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