Details of William de Lamberton’s birth, education,…
1298 CE
Details of William de Lamberton’s birth, education, and early career are not certain; he had certainly received a university education by early 1293 and become a canon of Glasgow.
By the time of his appearance at King John's (Balliol) first parliament in February 1293, he was chancellor of Glasgow Cathedral.
He seems to have been sent abroad for further study by Bishop Robert Wishart of Glasgow, probably in the year or two before July 1295.
Appointed Bishop of St. Andrews in 1298 by Pope Boniface VIII in succession to William Fraser, William de Lamberton appears to have been a very odd choice for a Bishop as he is very young at this time.
However, according to Scottish historian Geoffrey Barrow, Lamberton landed the position of Bishop due to Guardian William Wallace, who had seen Lamberton as a potential ally and supporter of Independence, likely due to Lamberton's close ties with Bishop Wishart, who is a staunch supporter of Independence.
St Andrews is at this time the wealthiest and most powerful See in Scotland, catapulting Lamberton straight into the highest circles in Scotland.
The English will later charge Wallace with forcing the Chapter of Saint Andrews into electing Lamberton although evidence suggests that Lamberton was a popular candidate among the Chapter, attracting the support of Nicholas Balmyle and William Comyn.
He is consecrated in Rome on June 1, 1298, before joining other Scots on a diplomatic mission to France.
Upon becoming Bishop, Lamberton finds himself in control of the diocese's vast funds; he uses them to fund the war against England.
He rebuilds St. Andrew's Cathedral, the castle of St Andrew's, and the fortified manor houses at Inchmurdo, Monimail, Dairsie, Torry, Muckhart, Kettins, Monymusk, Lasswade, and Stow.
He will also act as an important diplomat and envoy for Scotland.
Bishop Lamberton takes a young James Douglas as his squire, Douglas' father having been joined the Scots during the First War of Independence and died while imprisoned by King Edward I. Lamberton protects Douglas and takes him to court to petition unsuccessfully for the return of his estates.
James Douglas will later become one of the closest friends of Robert the Bruce.
Lamberton will remain a supporter of Scotland's independence and even be excommunicated for his role.
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