A Stake in the Kingdom

by Nigel Tranter

The story of the rise and fall of the 16th century cardinal, David Beaton.

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Lisa]

Scotland during the last days of James IV’s reign and the minority of James V. David Beaton was the 7th son of the impoverished John, Laird Beaton of Balfour and the nephew of James Beaton, Archbishop of St. Andrews, Primate and Treasurer. Though born poor David would use his relationship with his uncle to enrich himself by having benefices assigned him and while studying in Paris managed to befriend the John Stewart, Duke of Albany, heir to the throne. It’s David Beaton who talks the Duke of Albany, a French citizen into traveling to Scotland to represent Scottish interests. James V’s mother is Margaret Tudor, sister of Henry VIII, and she’s attempting to be named Regent with a large part of nobility resisting. The plan is to take James V from Scotland and hold him hostage in England with Henry VIII taking the title Lord Protector. The Queen-Mother however, marries Archibald Douglas, 6th Earl of Angus, looses all her rights to Regency as per James IV’s will, and the right to the title Queen-Mother. During this marriage the Countess of Angus and her husband would lead the pro-English faction while David Beaton would become secretary to his uncle and Scotland’s ambassador to France negotiating both of James V’s marraiges, 1st to Princess Madeline of France and 2nd to Marie de Guise. He would ultimately become Archbishop of St. Andrews, appointed Cardinal by Pope Paul III and Papal Legate.
He married and divorced Marion Ogilvy, by whom he had eight children, when he became coadjutor to his uncle with right of succession. He would also resist the Reformation, trying and burning protestants who were spreading Luther and Calvin’s doctrines with Henry VIII’s blessings. He was the last Scottish Cardinal before the Reformation.

[Pat]

Horrible content, but well done.