Carstares, William

views updated May 29 2018

Carstares, William (1649–1715). Ecclesiastical statesman. Carstares was born near Glasgow, the son of a presbyterian minister who took part in the 1666 covenanting rising. After attending Edinburgh University, he lived in Holland, where he was ordained. On his return to Scotland, he was imprisoned by Lauderdale 1674–9. When released, he resumed exile on the continent, in touch with Shaftesbury and William of Orange. He was again arrested after the Rye House plot in 1683 and sent to Scotland, where he was tortured before again being set free. He was then appointed chaplain by William and accompanied him on the 1688 expedition, conducting the thanksgiving service on their safe arrival at Torbay. Carstares became an influential adviser in religious matters and helped to persuade William to opt for a presbyterian settlement in Scotland. His political influence ceased with William's death in 1701 but from 1703 he was rector of the University of Edinburgh.

J. A. Cannon

About this article

William Carstares

All Sources -
Updated Aug 24 2016 About encyclopedia.com content Print Topic