Welcome back to "This Day in Scottish History." I'm your host, Colin MacDonald. Today, we delve into a significant event in the life of one of Scotland’s most influential figures, John Knox. On July 31, 1547, Knox was captured by French forces and endured a grueling period as a galley slave. This episode marks a pivotal moment in the tumultuous life of the man who would become the driving force behind the Scottish Reformation.
John Knox was born around 1514 in Giffordgate, Haddington, East Lothian. He was educated at the University of St Andrews and later served as a notary-priest. His early religious inclinations were significantly influenced by the reformer George Wishart. Wishart's execution by Cardinal David Beaton in 1546 had a profound impact on Knox, who subsequently became a staunch advocate for the Reformation.
The murder of Cardinal Beaton and the subsequent capture of St Andrews Castle by Protestant forces set the stage for Knox's dramatic capture. In April 1547, Knox joined the Protestant rebels at St Andrews Castle, where he began his preaching career. However, this period of relative safety and purpose was short-lived. On June 29, 1547, a fleet of French galleys arrived, besieging the castle. After a fierce battle, the castle fell on July 31, and Knox, along with other defenders, was taken prisoner.
Knox's time as a galley slave was brutal. Chained to benches, the prisoners were forced to row day and night under the constant threat of the whip. The conditions were harsh, and many prisoners suffered from malnutrition and illness. Despite these hardships, Knox's resolve remained unbroken. His captivity lasted for 19 grueling months, during which he was taken to various French ports and up the Seine River to Rouen.
One notable incident during this period involved a forced act of veneration. The prisoners were required to show reverence to a picture of the Virgin Mary. Knox, possibly the individual involved, refused to comply and threw the picture overboard, declaring, "Let our Lady now save herself: she is light enough: let her learn to swim." This act of defiance demonstrated Knox's unwavering commitment to his beliefs, even in the face of severe punishment.
Knox's health deteriorated during his captivity, but his spirit remained resilient. In the summer of 1548, the galleys returned to Scotland, and Knox’s resolve was evident as he declared he would not die until he had preached again in the place where he had first delivered his sermon. His prediction came true when he was released in February 1549, though the exact circumstances of his release remain unclear.
Following his release, Knox sought refuge in England, where the Reformation was gaining momentum under the Protestant rule of King Edward VI. Licensed to preach in the Church of England, Knox quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a royal chaplain and influencing the development of the Book of Common Prayer. However, his tenure in England was cut short with the ascension of Mary I, a staunch Catholic, to the throne. Knox fled to the continent, spending time in Geneva and Frankfurt, where he deepened his understanding of Reformed theology under the guidance of John Calvin.
Knox returned to Scotland in 1559, where he played a central role in the Scottish Reformation. His fiery sermons and uncompromising stance on religious reform galvanized the Protestant movement, leading to the establishment of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. Knox’s legacy is cemented in his writings, particularly his five-volume "The History of the Reformation in Scotland," which provides a detailed account of this transformative period in Scottish history.
As we reflect on the events of July 31, 1547, we recognize the resilience and determination of John Knox. His capture and subsequent hardships only strengthened his resolve, paving the way for a reformed Scotland. Knox’s unwavering commitment to his faith and his pivotal role in the Scottish Reformation make him a towering figure in Scotland’s rich history.
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