Ferguson, Robert (London)

Dates	1650s-1680s; 1690s-1714
Location	London
Vocation
Place of Birth	Aberdeenshire
Marriage
Issue
Place of birth		Source	Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Educated at University of Aberdeen. Moved to Islington (London) in the 1650s, teaching 'university learning'. Assistant to John Owen, Independent preacher and chaplain to Oliver Cromwell whereby Ferguson began to preach with Owen. Active in underground world of Protestant dissenters in London. Warrant issued for his arrest in 1663. Spent a few months in the Gatehouse. After release, likely that he began to inform against his friends, and warned government about proposed insurrections. Also became involved in Whig politics in the late 1670s. Earned nickname 'the Plotter' for role in numerous conspiracies of the 1680s and 1690s. Forced to flee to Scotland and took ship to the Netherlands, where he lived in poverty and constant fear for his life. Seems to have returned to England and converted to Church of England. Imprisoned in Newgate (1692) on suspicion of conspiracy. Probably continued as a double agent; however, considered an exceptional propagandist with many benefiting from his pen. Prolific writer of religious and political tracts. Died 1714