Marriage dispensation by John Hamilton to Henry Herd and Gillian Henderson, 1555

A canonical dispensation of John Hamilton, archbishop of St Andrews.

Permits Henry Herd and Gillian Henderson (Hendersoun) to contract a marriage even though they were related within the fourth degree of affinity. With English translation.

John Hamilton (1510/11-1571) was Roman Catholic archbishop of St Andrews, an illegitimate son of James Hamilton, first earl of Arran (1475?-1529), and so was a member of one of the most important families in Scotland in the mid sixteenth century. His half-brother James became regent of Scotland and tried to introduce Protestantism, resisted by John. His connections helped his career from studying at St Leonards College, St Andrews, to becoming bishop of Dunkeld and then archbishop of St Andrews, He was heavily involved in politics and even military actions, intervened for the Stewart heirs to the throne, first Mary and then her son James, persecuted heretics, completed the foundation of St Mary’s College in St Andrews, and remained faithful to his Catholic roots to the end.

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Call number used to be ms14

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Parchment, in original folds, pierced for seal tags. 32.5x26.6cm.

Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database

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