Shields, Alexander
| Dates | 1680-1690 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | London | ||
| Vocation | Presbyterian minister | ||
| Place of Birth | Haughhead, Earlston, Berwickshire | ||
| Marriage | |||
| Issue | |||
| Place of birth | Source | Oxford Dictionary of National Biography |
Graduated Edinburgh University (1675) and continued to study theology. Fled to the Netherlands in 1679 for covenanting convictions, continuing his studies at Utrecht. Returned and went to London, served as amanuensis to John Owen. Given license to preach to Scottish Presbyterians in London. Arrested by the city marshal at an illegal conventicle at Embroiderers' Hall in Cheapside (1685). Failed to appear before the court for bail and imprisoned in Newgate. Case remitted to the Scottish privy council, forced to sign a statement renouncing all of his activities. A letter in which Shields wrote his regret at having signed such a statement was intercepted by the officials and sent to ecclesiastical authorities. Sentenced Shields to imprisonment on the Bass Rock (1685). Escaped, dressed as a woman fourteen months later. Sought out James Renwick he accepted him back into the covenanters' fold. Returned to Utrecht in 1687. 1690 decided to become reconciled to the Church of Scotland. Appointed chaplain to the Cameronian regiment (1691). Travelled to Jamaica where he died in 1700.
