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Alexander Stewart (Archbishop of St Andrews)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Alexander Stewart (c. 1490 – 1513 September 9) was an illegitimate son of King James IV of Scotland and the King's mistress Marion Boyd. His father had him appointed Archbishop of St Andrews at no more than 15 years of age. As a pupil of Erasmus of Rotterdam, he may nevertheless have had exceptional educational qualifications for the position despite his young age. Stewart was reportedly severely myopic, possibly from extensive study in poor conditions. The possibility that he may have been a reformer, by taking up his teacher's opposition to corruption in the late-medieval church, and therefore rendered the uniquely destructive Scottish Reformation unnecessary, is one of the tantalising missed opportunities of Scottish history.
Stewart held office as Lord Chancellor of Scotland from 1510 until his death. In 1511 he co-founded St Leonard's College in St Andrews. A gateway with his coat of arms above the arch survives in St Andrews.
He was killed along with his father at the Battle of Flodden Field.
| Religious titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by James Stewart |
Archbishop of St. Andrews 1504–1513 |
Succeeded by Andrew Forman |
| Political offices | ||
| Preceded by Vacant (James Stewart to 1504) |
Lord Chancellor of Scotland 1510–1513 |
Succeeded by James Beaton |
| Academic offices | ||
| Preceded by James Stewart, Duke of Ross Archbishop of St Andrews |
Chancellor of the University of St Andrews 1504 - 1513 |
Succeeded by Andrew Forman Archbishop of St Andrews |
