Fletcher, Andrew
| Dates | 1660s, 1690s-1716 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Political theorist | ||
| Place of Birth | Saltoun, Haddingtonshire | ||
| Marriage | |||
| Issue | |||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Educated at University of St Andrew's and St Leonard's College. Initially went to London in August 1668 where he remained for five months before travelling to the Netherlands. Returned to London in December 1675 but left again for Paris by May 1676. When Fletcher returned to Scotland chosen a commissioner for Haddingtonshire in the convention of estates (1678). Known for parliamentary outspokenness and was openly opposed to Test Act. Various encounters with privy council and though he was never formally charged, Fletcher became a political exile. Joined other Scottish exiles in the Netherlands. Returned to Scotland in late 1680s. In the following decade, divided his time between Saltoun, Edinburgh and London, often spending his winters in London. Published writings between 1697 and 1704, all of which were political pamphlets. Re-entered into active politics with death of King William. Elected member of Haddingtonshire and opposed union with England. Arrested in 1708 on suspicion of involvement in attempted Jacobite rising. Again, travelled back and forth between Scotland, London and Europe. Was in Paris during Jacobite rising of 1715. Died in London at lodgings in Charles Street, 1716 and buried at Salton parish church.
