Stewart, James (of Goodtrees)
| Dates | 1674-79 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Judge and politician | ||
| Place of Birth | Scotland | ||
| Marriage | Agnes Trail | ||
| Issue | |||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Devout covenanter, studied law at University of Leiden (1657) and received MA from Glasgow (1659). Called to the bar in 1661. Wrote a number of legal, religious and political tracts. Whilst some were written anonymously, Scottish government began to suspect Stewart in 1671, upon which he fled to Rouen. Returned to Scotland in 1673 but his publication of an 'Accompt of Scotland's Grievances by Reason of the d. of Lauderdale's Ministrie' (1674) led to Charles II ordering his arrest on charges of treason and sedition libel. Stewart escaped to London, living under the alias Lawson. Continued to write an practice law. King withdrew order for arrest in 1769 whereby he returned to Scotland. Aside from another period of exile in the Netherlands, Stewart staunchly defended the presbytery and was widely respected for his legal and political prowess. Became a prominent figure in Scotland, appointed lord advocate. Died 1713 and buried in Greyfriar's Church, Edinburgh.
