View source for Anderson, James (London) 2

{{Template2
|Dates=1707-1728
|Location=London
|Vocation=Historian
|Place of Birth=Edinburgh
|Marriage=Jean
|Issue=John, Patrick, James, Jean, Margaret, Christian, Helen, Elizabeth, Marion (Mary?), Ann
|Source=Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
}}
Born on 5th August to Patrick Anderson and Margaret Threipland. Anderson studied at the University of Edinburgh, graduating with an MA on 27 May 1680. He entered the legal profession which brought him into contact with old charters and old records sparking an interest in antiquarian scholarship. Conducted research in Durham in 1703, increasingly neglecting his legal practice. Came to public attention when he published a refutation to William Atwood entitled 'Historical Essay Shewing that the Crown and Kingdom of Scotland is Imperial and Independent'. Anderson's connection with the Duke of Argyll let to his appointment as deputy postmaster-general for Scotland in June 1715. Resided in London from at least 1707 becoming known as a historigrapher and antiquarian. He died destitute in London of apoplexy on 3 April 1728.