John Lauder

For other people named John Lauder, see John Lauder (disambiguation).

John Lauder (c.1488 – after February 1560[1]) was Scotland's Public Accuser of Heretics. He was twice sent to Rome by King James V, to confirm the loyalty of the Scottish crown. As Principal Private Secretary to Cardinal David Beaton, Archbishop of St. Andrews,[2] he successfully prosecuted many heretics, who were burnt at the stake, John Knox testifying to his extreme cruelty. Beaton was eventually murdered by the mob,[3] but Lauder escaped and was later Private Secretary to Archbishop Hamilton (hanged April 1571).

  1. ^ Anderson, Rev. John, editor, Calendar of the Laing Charters AD854-1837, Edinburgh, 1899, nos:717 & 718, pps:146, 184-5.
  2. ^ "John Lauder, Archdeacon of Teviotdale, Secretary to Cardinal Beaton" in the (published) Great Seal of Scotland charter number 2985, signed at St. Andrews 14th November 1543.
  3. ^ "Cardinal Beaton Murdered". Christianity.com.