15 Facts About Robert Wishart

Robert Wishart was Bishop of Glasgow during the Wars of Scottish Independence and a leading supporter of Sir William Wallace and King Robert Bruce.

Robert Wishart belongs to the Wisharts, or Wisehearts, of Pittarrow, a family of Norman-French origin.

Robert Wishart was either the cousin or nephew of William Wishart, Bishop of St Andrews, a former Chancellor of Scotland.

Robert Wishart's first recorded office in the church was as archdeacon of St Andrews.

When Edward insisted that he be recognised as Lord Paramount of Scotland prior to giving a decision in the matter, Robert Wishart pointed out that "the kingdom of Scotland is not held in tribute or homage to anyone save God alone".

Robert Wishart remained consistent in his support even when some of his fellow auditors voted for John Balliol, having the superior claim in feudal law.

Almost from the outset, and in spite of his forced oath to Edward, Robert Wishart was involved in the struggle against the English occupation of Scotland.

In 1297, even before William Wallace made his appearance, Robert Wishart was among the early leaders of the rising against the English occupation.

Boniface would not consent to this, but he wrote to Robert Wishart demanding that he desist in his opposition to Edward, and denouncing him as "the prime mover and instigator of all the tumult and dissension which has risen between his dearest son in Christ, Edward, King of England, and the Scots".

Robert Wishart now faced the future as an outlaw and an excommunicate, an enemy of the state and the church.

Rather than excommunicating the earl Robert Wishart immediately gave him absolution and urged his flock to rise in his support.

Robert Wishart then accompanied Bruce to Scone, the site of all Scottish coronations.

All these hopes and efforts were soon frustrated by the advance of an English army under Aymer de Valence in the summer of 1306: Bruce was defeated at the Battle of Methven, soon to be forced into hiding, and Robert Wishart was captured at Cupar.

Robert Wishart was taken south in chains, and incarcerated in an English dungeon, saved only from execution by his clerical orders.

Robert Wishart was to remain in prison for the next eight years, going blind in the course of his captivity.