Andrew Melville - Principal Glasgow (1574-1580)




He returned to Scotland in July 1574, and upon his return, the learned Beza, in a letter to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said, ‘The greatest token of affection the kirk of Geneva could show to Scotland was, that they had suffered themselves to be spoiled of Mr Andrew Melville.’

Soon after his return, the General Assembly appointed him to be the Principal of the College of Glasgow which was in a dreadful condition. He was there for about six years, transforming the University until students flocked to it from all places. In the year 1576, the Earl of Morton who was then Regent, wanted to bring Andrew Melville into his party, which were trying to introduce Episcopacy. He therefore offered Melville the parsonage of Govan, a valuable benefice yearly, in addition to what he enjoyed as Principal, providing he would not insist against the establishment of bishops; but Melville rejected his offer with scorn.

Additional Information

This is from an 1807 map which can be seen on the National Library of Scotland's website. The College is the large black building in the middle of the map.