Friday 11 October, 2024

Scottish history and heritage online

The murder of James Sharp, Archbishop of St Andrews

On the 3rd May 1679, a group of Covenanters led by John Balfour of Kinloch murder James Sharp, Archbishop of St Andrews on Magus Muir, Fife. Sharp was returning to St Andrews with his daughter when his coach was surrounded before they dragged him out, stabbed and shot to death.

The attackers were probably waiting for the Sheriff of Fife, but were happy to kill instead the man leading the forces suppressing the Covenant in Scotland. It sparked a wider uprising, leading to the “Killing Time”.

Editorial
Editorial
Online publication covering Scottish history, heritage and archaeology. Featuring articles, reviews, historic attractions, places to visit, and events. mail@scottishhistory.org

Related articles

Subscribe to our newsletter

latest

read more