Alexander Burnet
Biography of Alexander Burnet
Alexander Burnet (1615-1684), was Archbishop of Glasgow and Chancellor of the University, 1664 to 1669.
A graduate of the University of Edinburgh, Burnet became a chaplain and tutor to the family of John Stewart, 1st Earl of Traquair and then, during the Civil War, a minister in England. In 1663 he returned to Scotland as Bishop of Aberdeen, and was translated to the Glasgow See the following year. He was a staunch episcopalian who took stern action against nonconforming ministers and in 1666 he insisted that the University's teaching staff subscribe to a declaration accepting episcopalian government. His refusal to support Royal efforts to promote greater leniency towards religious nonconformists angered King Charles II, who forced him to resign as archbishop in December 1669.
Burnet returned to England but was reappointed Archbishop of Glasgow in September 1674, some months before the resignation of his successor, Robert Leighton. He left Glasgow once more in 1678, and the following year was appointed Archbishop of St Andrews.
Summary
Alexander Burnet
Archbishop of Glasgow
Born 1615.
Died 22 August 1684.
University Link: Chancellor
Occupation categories: clergy
NNAF Reference: GB/NNAF/P161694
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Record last updated: 21st Feb 2008
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