David Beaton

1494-1546. Archbishop of St. Andrews and later cardinal. After attending St. Andrews and Glasgow universities, he probably graduated from the latter before pursuing his studies for some years at Paris and Orléans. By 1525, through the influence of his uncle James Beaton, archbishop of St. Andrews, he sat in Parliament as abbot of Arbroath. Sent as emissary to Francis, king of France, in 1533, he made such an impression that in 1537 Francis had him consecrated bishop of Mirepoix in Languedoc. One month later Beaton was made cardinal. In 1539 he succeeded his uncle at St. Andrews, and became also lord high chancellor in 1540. His French connections contributed to his dislike of the English seen in his political policies. Beaton had the Scottish Reformer George Wishart* burnt at the stake in 1545, but was himself assassinated in St. Andrews the following year.