Gavin Douglas's hope had revived in January…
1515 CE
Gavin Douglas's hope had revived in January 1515 on the death of George Brown, Bishop of Dunkeld.
The queen nominates him to the now vacant seat, which he ultimately obtains, though not without trouble.
For the late John Stewart, 2nd Earl of Atholl, had forced his brother, Andrew Stewart, prebendary of Craig, upon the chapter, and had put him in possession of the bishop's palace.
The queen appeals to the pope and is seconded by her brother of England, with the result that on February 18, 1515, the pope's sanction is obtained.
Some of the correspondence of Douglas and his friends incident to this transaction is intercepted.
When Albany comes from France and assumes the regency, these documents and the "purchase" of the bishopric from Rome contrary to statute are made the basis of an attack on Douglas, who is imprisoned in Edinburgh Castle, thereafter in St Andrews Castle (under the charge of his old opponent, Prior Hepburn), and later in Dunbar Castle, and again in Edinburgh.
The pope's intervention procures his release, after nearly a year's imprisonment.
The queen meanwhile has retired to England.