Adam Blackwood

1539 - 1613

Philosopher and scholar. Born in Dunfermline, Blackwood's parents died when he was young and his education was funded by his maternal great-uncle, Robert Reid, the last Bishop of Orkney (d.1558). He studied in Paris and Toulouse, and when Reid died, the completion of his education was supported by the young Mary, Queen of Scots (1542-87). He went on to teach philosophy in Paris and became a great supporter of Mary. He was appointed a senator in the Parliament of Poitiers and served as legal adviser there.

In 1581, he produced his Pro regibus apologia, a bitter rebuttal of De jure regni apud Scotos by George Buchanan (1506-82), which had supported James VI's succession to the throne. Mary's execution in 1587 shocked Blackwood and his writing strongly attacked Queen Elizabeth I.

He was buried in Poitiers.

Use the tabs on the right of this page to see other parts of this entry